Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma (Asthma Clinical Features)

It is important to know about the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma if you or your child have asthma. If you know the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma, you would be able to prevent an asthma attack by treating your asthma properly on time. So, understanding asthma signs and symptoms (clinical features) is important.

Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma (Asthma Clinical Features)

Following are signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma:

1) Coughing:

 

• Cough due to asthma is usually worse in the morning, or in the night, making it difficult to sleep.

•  Cough due to asthma is non-productive (no sputum).

•  If a cough persists for more than 3 weeks, it should be investigated.

2)  Wheezing:

• Wheezing is a high-pitched  whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.

• Wheezing occurs when the airways are narrowed or compressed.

• Wheezing is the most common symptom of asthma. 

• The sound of wheezing is most obvious when breathing out (exhaling), but may be heard when taking a breath (inhaling).

3)  Chest tightness:

  

• It feels like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

• Chest tightness occurs when the airways are narrowed and the patient is unable to move air in and out of lungs.

4) Shortness of breath:

  

Shortness of breath means that you have difficulty in breathing or you feel breathless. You may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs. In medical terms, it is called "'dyspnea". Its hard to describe both for the patients and the doctors as what shortness of breath feels like. People describe it differently in the following ways:

1. I feel "air hungry".
2. I am "unable to catch my breath".
3. I feel like "Gasping for breath"
4. I feel like "Suffocation" or "smothering" 

Some things you must know about signs and symptoms of asthma

1) The signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma may occur during the day or at night; the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma may disturb your sleep if these occur at night.

2) The signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma are often worse at night or in the early morning, or in response to exercise or cold air

3) All asthma patients may not have all the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma. Likewise, if you have all the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma you may not necessarily have asthma; you may be suffering from some other disease instead of asthma. Only your doctor can tell you if you have asthma or not after examining you for asthma and doing some investigations for asthma.

4) The signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma usually start after you are exposed to asthma triggers; it means that you must avoid asthma triggers to prevent yourself from asthma attack. So knowing asthma triggers is as important as knowing asthma signs and symptoms.

5) The severity of signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma varies in different asthma patients, and even in the same patient over time.

6) Once you develop the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma, you must see the doctor, or you must at least take the asthma medicines you already have. This is because your asthma signs and symptoms would become severe with time if you don't treat them properly on time, and severe asthma symptoms can be fatal. If you have mild asthma symptoms, it doesn't mean you can't have asthma attack. Any asthma patient can have asthma attack.

7) With proper asthma treatment, its not difficult to control the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma.

Asthma classification based on severity of asthma signs and symptoms

Asthma is classified on the basis of severity of signs and symptoms (clinical features). Asthma patients are treated according to the type of asthma they have. Its easy for the patient himself to determine which type of asthma he has. Following are the types of asthma based on signs and symptoms (clinical features):

1) Mild intermittent asthma:

• In this case, the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma are present two or less than two days per week.

• The signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma last only for a few hours to a few weeks.

• The severity of signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma varies but, there are no asthma signs and symptoms (clinical features) between the attacks.

2) Mild persistent asthma:

In this case, the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma are present more than two days per week but, not every day.

3) Moderate persistent asthma:

 

In this case, the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma are present every day.

4) Severe persistent asthma:

In this case, the signs and symptoms (clinical features) of asthma are present every day, throughout the day.

Asthma Causes - What Causes Asthma (Asthma Etiology)

What causes asthma is not fully known. Inspite of advances in the medicine, we still don't exactly know the causes (etiology) of asthma.. We, however, do have some evidence about several suggested factors which may be the cause (etiology) of asthma. Whatever the cause (etiology) of asthma is, one thing is common for all asthma patients; there is constriction of the airways (the passages which transport air into and out of the lungs). Also, irrespective of the cause (etiology) of asthma, the symptoms of asthma are the same in all asthma patients.

Understanding the causes (etiology) of asthma is not only important for preventing asthma (if you don't have asthma) but, it also plays a key role in preventing the asthma symptoms from getting worse (if you already have asthma). So, understanding causes (etiology) of asthma is a must, especially if you or your child already have asthma.

The suspected causes (etiology) of asthma cause asthma in some people but, not in others. Why some people develop asthma because of these factors and not others is still not known.

Though less is known about the causes (etiology) of asthma, it is widely believed that asthma is caused by interplay between your genetics and some environmental factors (described below). It means that two factors play main role in the development of asthma:

• Your genetics

• Exposure to some specific environmental factors

Now lets throw some light on the possible causes of asthma.

Possible causes of asthma (asthma etiology)

The Hygiene Hypothesis - Asthma Causes

According to this interesting hypothesis, reduced exposure to a wide variety of different bacteria and virus types in modern societies deprives our immune system of the ability to distinguish between harmless and potentially harmful irritants. This hypothesis blames our "super-clean world" to be a possible cause (etiology) of asthma. To say this in other words "it is exposure to germs that actually prevents asthma".

This theory is supported by the fact that children living in less hygienic conditions tend to have lower incidences of asthma. 

Additionally, studies which show that upper respiratory tract infections are protective against asthma risk also tend to show that lower respiratory tract infections conversely tend to increase the risk of asthma

Genetics - Asthma Causes

Asthma runs in families which suggests that genetics may be a cause (etiology) of asthma. It means that if you have asthma it is likely that:

• One or both of your parents might have asthma.

• One or more of your siblings might have asthma.

• You may pass the asthma disease to your children.

Heredity accounts for about three-fifths of all cases of asthma. If you have asthma, your children are three to six times more at risk of developing asthma than the people whose parents don't have asthma.

Gender - Causes Of Asthma

Before puberty, asthma is more common in males than females. But after puberty, asthma becomes more common in females than females. Probably hormones are responsible for this (some hormones differ between males and females). But it is still not known which hormones affect asthma.

Respiratory Infections - Causes Of Asthma

Though the hygiene hypothesis says that reduced exposure to germs is a cause (etiology) of virus, there is also some evidence which shows that exposure to some viruses may cause asthma.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes bronchiolitis in children; after bronchiolitis some children are known to develop asthma, which suggests that Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be a cause of asthma.

Respiratory infections such as rhinovirus, chlamydia pneumonie, and Bordetella pertussis cause asthma exacerbations.

Obesity - Asthma Causes

Obesity may be a cause (etiology) of asthma; it is supported by the facts that:

• Asthma is more common in obese and overweight people.

• Asthma is more severe in obese and overweight people.

Studies have shown that if an asthma patient loses weight, it not only decreases asthma symptoms in them but also reduce dependence on corticosteroids (asthma medications).

Vitamin D Deficiency - Asthma Causes

Though not confirmed yet, it is suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be a cause (etiology) of asthma. It is supported by two facts:

1. Asthma involves inflammation of airways, and vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Asthma is more common in people living in parts of the world with lower vitamin D intakes.Obesity
   

Air Pollution - Causes Of Asthma

It has been observed that the incidence of asthma tends to be higher in people living in a polluted environment.

Lack Of Exercise - Causes Of Asthma

Apart from other benefits, exercise makes your airways stronger, thus making it more resistant to the harmful effects of asthma triggers.

Whatever the cause (etiology) of asthma is, the signs and symptoms of asthma are the same in all patients. Likewise, the treatment (management) of asthma is the same for all asthma patients irrespective of the cause (etiology) of asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Asthma trigger is any thing which irritates the airways. Asthma triggers are the factors which:

1.  Can trigger an asthma attack.
2.  Can cause asthma symptoms.
3.  Can aggravate asthma symptoms.

Some important facts you should know about asthma triggers:

1.  Avoiding asthma triggers is an important part of asthma treatment.
2.  Your asthma triggers may vary from other asthma patients; different asthma patients have different asthma triggers.
3.  For any asthma patient, there may be one or more asthma triggers.

Some important asthma triggers are given below:

Second Hand Smoking- An Asthma Trigger

If a person is smoking, and a second person inhales the smoke, it is called "second hand smoking". Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful substances that can badly affect human health; smoking is also an important asthma trigger for asthma patients.

Its quite easy for adults to avoid tobacco smoke but, when it comes to children it becomes quite difficult. So, if your child is asthmatic, you should take some measures to prevent the exposure of your child to smoke. Some of the important actions you can take in this regard are:

1.  If you smoke, don't smoke inside your house or in your car. (Better quit smoking for the sake of your child).
2.  Don't let your relatives and friends smoke inside your house.
3.  Paste a "NO SMOKING" sign on the main door of your house.
4.  Remove ash-trays from your home.
5.  Make sure your child's school is smoke free.
6. Educate your child about how to avoid smoke.  

Dust Mites - Asthma Trigger

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in house dust and may act as asthma triggers for asthma patients. They live in areas of high humidity. You can take the following measures to get rid of dust mites:

1. Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioning. 
2. Use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself. 
3. Wash bedding in hot water once a week. Dry completely.
4. Remove all carpets and replace with hard flooring if possible.
5. Vacuum the floors and furniture as often as possible.
6. Choose stuffed toys that you can wash. Wash stuffed toys in hot water. Dry completely before your child plays with the toy.
7. Don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters.
8. Dust often with a damp cloth. 

It means that the more you keep your house clean, the more you will be able to get rid of dust mites.

If your asthma symptoms do not improve with these measures, there is no point continuing with
these measures.

Pets And Animal Dander - Asthma Triggers

Proteins in your pet's skin flakes, urine, feces, saliva and hair can act as asthma triggers for asthma patients. The asthma symptoms can take two or more years to develop and asthma symptoms may not subside until months after ending contact with the animal. If you think that your pet is acting as an asthma trigger for you or for your child, the best solution is to remove the pet from your house. But if its not possible, you can should the following measures:

1. Keep pets out of the room of the asthmatic patient, or out of the home building if possible. 
2. Keep pets off of your furniture and carpets.
3. Wash your pets every week. Ask your vet for advice on how to do this properly.
4. Vacuum carpets and furniture when the person with asthma is not around.
5. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, and are not carpeted, damp mop them every week.
   

Outdoor Air Pollution - Asthma Triggers

You may have noticed that your or your child asthma symptoms get worse when the outdoor air is polluted; this is because outdoor air pollution may act as asthma trigger for asthma patients. There are two types of air pollutants that can act as asthma triggers:

1) Ozone: 

It is present in smog. It comes from car exhaust, smoke, road dust and factory emissions.

2) Particle pollution: 

It is present in haze, smoke, and dust. Particle pollution are higher near busy roads and where people burn wood.

If you are an asthma patient, you should first determine whether you are sensitive to outdoor air pollution or not. You can do so in the following ways:

1. Notice whether your asthma symptoms are worse when you are physically active.
2. Notice whether your asthma symptoms occur more often when the air is polluted.
3. Notice whether your asthma symptoms begin after you have been outdoor in the polluted air.

If you think outdoor air pollution is acting as an asthma trigger for you or your child, you can take the following measures to avoid outdoor air pollution:

1) Know when and where air pollution will be bad:

Ozone level is usually high on hot summer days, especially in the afternoons and early evenings. 

Particle pollution can be high any time of the year. It is especially high:

      • Near busy roads
      • Around factories
      • When there is smoke in the air from wood stoves, fireplaces, or burning vegetation.

You can monitor the air quality on your local weather report. Another good source is Enviroflash.

2) Plan activities when and where pollution levels are lower:

1. Asthma patients should do regular exercise to stay healthy.
2. In summer, try restricting your vigorous activities to the morning.  
3. Do exercise away from busy roads, and industrial areas.
4. On hot, smoggy days when ozone level is high, do exercise indoors.
5. Stay inside with the windows closed on high pollen days and when pollutants are high. 
6.  If you start to see asthma warning signs, try to limit the outdoor activities.

3) Keep your medicines with you:

You should have your quick-relief asthma medicines with you when you are active outdoors. In this way, if you develop asthma symptoms, you would be prepared.

4) Keep indoor atmosphere clean:

  • Use your air conditioner to help filter the air coming into the home. Central air systems are the best.
  • Remove the indoor plants if you think they are producing asthma symptoms for you or your family.

5) Talk to your doctor:

If you develop asthma symptoms when the outdoor atmosphere is polluted, talk to your doctor about it.

Molds and fungi - Asthma Triggers

Molds are fungi that produce slimy or fluffy growths in damp (humid) places and may act as asthma triggers for asthma patients. Just like plants produce seeds, fungi produce and release spores into the air which when inhaled can trigger asthma symptoms. Molds are not only present inside the house but, they are also present outside your house.

Outside, molds can grow in:

• Piles of leaves
• Cut grass
• Stagnant water
• Garbage containers
• Composters

Inside, you can find molds growing in:

• Basements
• Bathrooms
• Humidifiers
• Dehumidifiers
• Old houses
• Cottages

You can take the following measures to prevent exposure to outside molds:

1. Remove piles of grass immediately from your lawn after its mowed.
2. Don't let the leaves accumulate in your lawn.
3. Keep garbage cans clean.
4. Remove the outdoor containers that contain stagnant water.
5. Ensure that eaves troughs on your house face away from the house.

 The following measures can be taken to prevent exposure to indoor molds:

1. Monitor the humidity level of your home with hygrometer; keep the humidity level between 40-45%. The humidity level can be kept low with an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.
2. Keep your home well ventilated. Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or washing dishes.
3. Remove carpets from your home if possible. If you wanna keep them, make sure to vacuum them thoroughly and frequently through vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. 

If sprays are used:
o  Limit the spray to infested area.
o  Carefully follow instructions on the label.
o  Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the
person with asthma out of the room.

Wood smoke - Asthma Trigger

 

Wood smoke contain harmful gases and small particles which can act as asthma triggers for asthma patients. So, asthma patients should avoid wood smoke.Following measures can be taken in this regard:

1. Burn only dry wood that has been stored for at least 6 months.
2. A certified professional should check your chimney to make sure there are no gapes or cracks.
3. Replace old wood stove with a new one. Newer wood stoves are at least 50% more efficient and pollute 70% less than older models.

It will not only help you controlling your asthma but will also cut fuel costs.

Food and Food Additives - Asthma Triggers

Though not common, some foods may act as asthma triggers for asthma patients. Some of the foods that may act as asthma triggers are:

• Eggs
• Cow's milk
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shrimp and other shellfish
• Salads & fresh fruits
• Bottled lime or lemon juice
• Wine, beer

Sulfite additives, such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite may also act as asthma triggers.

Nitrogen Dioxide - An Asthma Trigger

Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that may act as as asthma trigger for asthma patients. This harmful gas is formed by appliances that burn fuel such as gas, kerosene and wood. Actions you can take to avoid contact to this gas:

1. Use fuel-burning appliances that are vented to the outside.
2. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use these appliances.
3. Use exhaust fan and open the windows and door while cooking.
4. Don't use stove to keep you warm.

Interesting Facts About Asthma

Here are some interesting facts about asthma.

1) There are 4,000 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care.

2)  About 7% of adults and 15% of children have asthma.

3) Asthma is most common in New Zealand, Australia, and UK; asthma is least common in China and Malaysia.

4) Asthma is the most common cause of children missing their schools. In the united states, 40,000 people will miss school or work every day because of asthma (wow!). For adults, asthma is the fourth leading cause of work absenteeism.

5)  The annual cost of asthma is about $18 billion.

6) The life expectancy of mild asthmatics is the same as those for do not have asthma, which is 80 years. (Good news!)

7) African American women have the highest asthma mortality rate of all groups, more than 2.5 times higher than Caucasian women.

8) Only 10% of asthma patients develop severe asthma.

9) Cigarette smoking is a major cause of asthma (another reason you should stop smoking).

10) Asthma is more common among adult women than adult men, but it is more common among male children than female children.

11) In the united states, every day 40,000 people have an asthma attack.

12) Nearly all asthma related deaths occur due to lack of oxygen rather than cardiac arrest. (It means deaths due to asthma can be prevented by prompt oxygen administration during an asthma attack).

13) More than 17 million people in the US have been diagnosed with asthma so far.

14) Every day, 5000 people are admitted to emergency in the US due to asthma.

15) Every day, 1000 people are admitted to the hospital in the US due to asthma.

16)  235 million people currently suffer from asthma all over the world.

17) Asthma is the most common chronic (long term) condition among children.

18)  Asthma occurs in all countries regardless of level of development.

19) Even mild asthmatics can die of asthma (only because on delayed or improper treatment).

20) African Americans are three times more likely to both be hospitalized and die from asthma.

21) The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens such as house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture.

22) every day, 9 people die because of asthma in the united states.

23) Boys are twice as likely to develop asthma as girls.

24) Asthma accounts for 25% of all emergency room visits in the U.S. each year.

25) More females die of asthma than males, and women account for nearly 65% of asthma deaths overall.

26)  Socioeconomic status and asthma fatality are inversely related. In other words, the poorer you are, the more likely you are to die from your asthma (probably because the poor have less access to asthma wisdom, medicine and good care and they are more exposed to common asthma triggers such as pollution, dust, cockroaches and animal dander).

What is asthma - Asthma Definition

"What is asthma" is a question a newly diagnosed asthma patient usually asks. Asthma can be defined as reversible obstruction of large and small airways - the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.. This obstruction of the airways occurs due to narrowing of the airways; it is this narrowing of the airways which primarily causes most of the symptoms of asthma. It can be summarized in the following way:

1) People with asthma have sensitive or 'twitchy' airways (bronchi and bronchioles). When they are exposed to certain ' asthma triggers' such as cigarette smoke, the sensitive airways respond and the inside of walls of  the airways become narrowed due to the following reasons:

• The lining inside the airways becomes red and swollen
• The muscles around the airways tighten
• Extra mucus (fluid) may be made

2) As a result of narrowing, air can not pass through the airways - both to and from the lungs, thus causing the symptoms of asthma.

Asthma is one of the most common long-term [chronic] diseases of children, but adults have asthma, too. Though asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. Asthma can occur for the first time at any age.