Symptoms of asthma can range from mild to life-threatening. Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have symptoms everyday while others may only have occasional asthma symptoms. Asthma signs and symptoms can change during an asthma patient’s lifetime. A child with asthma may not have asthma symptoms as an adult. An adult with asthma may not have had asthma symptoms as a child.

People commonly refer to the tubes that carry air into the lungs as the airways. Asthma affects the airways. The symptoms of asthma are airway constriction, airway inflammation, and swelling of the airway walls. The muscles around the airways tighten when someone who has asthma is having an asthma reaction. The tightening of the muscles constricts the airway which does not let as much air into the lungs.

The walls of the airways may become inflamed and swell which further decreases to space for airflow. The inflamed, swollen walls of the airways are oversensitive to substances that are inhaled. The cells along the airway in people with asthma make more mucous which also decreases the space for airflow.

The airway constriction, inflammation, swelling, and mucous production can get worse and cause an asthma attack. An asthma attack is a flare-up of the signs and symptoms of asthma that can inhibit the person’s ability to breathe. The person may require emergency care. If someone with asthma does not have asthma medication and does not receive prompt medical attention, the asthma attack could be fatal.

Common signs of asthma are shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, and wheezing or whistling during exhalation. Signs of asthma are often worse at night and may cause difficulty sleeping due to coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing. Coughing and wheezing are made worse by colds or flu. Some people with asthma only experience asthma attacks when they have a cold or the flu. The worsening of asthma symptoms during times of illness is why many doctors recommend that asthma patients get flu shots every year.

People with asthma vary in how many symptoms they typically experience. Someone who only experiences a cough may not be diagnosed with asthma as quickly as they should be since a cough often gets blamed on other things. If someone is experiencing signs and symptoms of asthma, the person should talk to their doctor about a lung function test. The results of the lung function test can either confirm the diagnosis of asthma or put concerns to rest.