What Are The Signs Of An Asthma ‘Attack’?

Many of the people we see in our Norwalk asthma specialists’ office have asked about how they can better be aware of the early signs of asthma “attack”. Asthma is often described as a reversible disease, meaning that one can have periods of normal breathing mixed with exacerbations of mild to severe breathing difficulty. In some cases, asthma may lead to slowly worsening breathing trouble, but other times may cause sudden distress. Studies have shown that both children and adults have a poor perception of when their asthma is causing breathing difficulty. Many with asthma are unable to identify when they are no longer breathing at their baseline. In light of this difficulty, it is important to know the symptoms and signs of an asthma attack.

Warning signs/symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Wheeze
• Decreased exercise capacity compared to normal
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Waking from sleep with a cough

Although the above signs/symptoms are typically associated with an asthma exacerbation, most people having a flare of their asthma will not necessarily have all these symptoms. It is important that you have a discussion with your physician to gain a greater understanding of your body and how it relates to asthma. Improving your understanding and perception of asthma may allow you to catch an attack in its very early stages. The Allergists at Advanced Specialty Care will work with you to make sure you are on the least amount of medications that will keep your asthma well controlled.

To set up an appointment in Norwalk, Danbury, Ridgefield, or New Milford to discuss asthma control with the Allergists at Advanced Specialty Care, call 203-748-7433.

– Yogen A. Dave, M.D.,  Allergist

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