The manifestations of asthma can range from mild to severe, varying among individuals. Some may experience seasonal symptoms, while others may react to specific triggers like exercise or allergens such as pet dander. Chronic asthma can result in frequent symptoms occurring almost daily.
During an asthma episode, airflow obstruction occurs, making breathing challenging and leading to symptoms such as wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing. Symptoms may worsen at night, disrupting sleep, and include coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and increased mucus production.
While these symptoms are common in asthma, not everyone with asthma experiences all of them, and their presence alone does not confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis involves medical history, lung function tests, and physical examinations by a doctor.
Prompt treatment of asthma symptoms is crucial to prevent them from escalating to severe levels. With effective treatment, individuals can expect minimal symptoms during the day and night, reducing the risk of complications.