Asthma Symptoms
Does It Really Get Worse At Night?

Have you wondered if the night time air can make your symptoms worse?

Do you sometimes go into an intense coughing fit while you are sleeping? Do you sometimes feel short of breath with little or no physical activity? When you breathe, do you sound wheezy? These are all serious breathing problems.

Asthma is a serious condition that can affect people of any age or gender. You must be vigilant regarding your symptoms, and be certain to consult good doctors in regards to your condition. This article will show you some simple ways you can reduce your asthma symptoms, thus lowering your chances of a serious attack.

But before you self-diagnose, it is best to talk with your doctor. If you have not been diagnosed with asthma, you might find shortness of breath alarming. It can be slightly bothersome or stop you in your tracks. Be aware that some of these symptoms are also signs for other illnesses.

The Alarming Symptoms Of Asthma

Asthma can be a terrifying condition because it severely restricts your ability to breathe freely. Asthma attacks come with no warning, and the condition can shorten your life and bring it to an abrupt halt. This article is filled with helpful information about the how and whys of asthma and offers useful advice on living with the condition.

If you have not been diagnosed with asthma, you might find these symptoms alarming. They can be slightly bothersome or stop you in your tracks. 

But be aware that some of these symptoms are also signs for other illnesses. Your doctor will have perform tests to tell if you have it.

The First Stage – Constant Coughing Is An Early Warning Sign 

If you are in the early stages of an asthmatic event, you might experience some common symptoms. These common symptoms are characterized during the inception periods of the asthma episode. The symptoms include:

• Frequent coughing during sleep in the night. 
• Experiencing wheezing or coughing after exercising. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Extreme exhaustion following exercise. 
• Feeling tired and upset all the time. 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately get yourself checked for asthma. The swifter you act, the more you will be able to control it. 

Coughing on its own may not be a sign of asthma. There are a host of viral illnesses such as whooping cough which can cause intense and persistent coughing. But if it is consistent and produces a thick, clear mucus, this is a good reason to visit your doctor. If you or your child cough until vomit appears or skin color changes happen, you need to find out if asthma is in the cards. 

The Second Stage – Asthma Worsens Increased Wheezing

If you are not able to identify the initial symptoms of asthma, or if you ignore those symptoms, asthma could get even worse. The advancement of asthma starts affecting your daily activities and sleep. 

Wheezing is the most notorious asthma symptoms. It is better known as a a high-pitched whistling sound that is heard while breathing. It happens when the airways of the lungs are inflamed and it means that the air passages have narrowed (or shrunken). 

It is most common to hear the wheezing when breathing out, but may happen with breathing in. Some of the symptoms of worsening asthma include.

• Regular coughing
• Frequent wheezing
• Shortness of breath 
• Tightness in the chest. 

Asthma should be diagnosed immediately upon countering these symptoms or it could further advance into a severe stage causing damage to your body. It usually includes a declined response to medications. 

The Final stage – A Tight Chest Means That Symptoms Are Severe

When asthma enters into its last stage it starts affecting you severely. It makes life difficult for you and can even cause the death. 

Chest tightening usually happens when air can no longer move into the lungs. You might feel a large amount of pressure on chest. Some describe it as someone sitting on the chest, while others describe it as a squeezing sensation. Either way, it is not good and it is best to immediately seek emergency care. 

You would need immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms listed below:

• Rapid breathing and frequent gasping for breath
• Chest pain and pressure
• Non-stop constant coughing
• Sweaty and dull face
• Blue fingernails and lips
• Interrupted talking
• Severe wheezing. 

Asthma symptoms can differ from person to person and no two asthma attacks are alike. While some symptoms are mild, others are more severe. It is best to know the difference. Symptoms may occur during day or night. If they happen at night, it may keep you up at night.

When left untreated, asthma symptoms can become severe and end your life. You should tend to breathing problems when they first appear and learn how to manage asthma for the long term.

Another problem for asthmatics is shortness of breath. As the air passages of the lungs narrow, less air can move in and out. The end result is that the individual is left gasping for air. A feeling of suffocation occurs as the breathing gets worse and worse. This can lead to a life-threatening condition so it is best to get help before this happens.

But It Sure Looks Like Asthma To Me … Asthma vs Allergies

Many people mistake allergies for asthma symptoms. Allergies, which are similar to asthma symptoms, is part of an over-reactive immune system. The coughing and increased mucus production that you may feel are a reaction to something that is normally quite harmless to others.

Sometimes rhinitis, inflammation of the nasal airways, or sinusitis, infection of the sinuses, are mistaken for a respiratory problem. If you have any of these conditions, it may worsen asthma.

While sinusitis develops after an infection, rhinitis occurs after the nasal lining becomes inflamed after being exposure to an allergen. With the right laboratory tests, an asthma doctor can tell the difference.

While some people's reactions to their allergens can be severe, it is usually not as serious as an asthma attack. It has the potential to completely shut down breathing and this is life-threatening. Only a skilled allergist can tell whether you or your loved one is suffering from allergies or asthma. 

If you have an asthma management plan, you can treat asthma symptoms before they get out of control. Choosing the right foods with the right treatment plan, will definitely prevent you from having to suffer with future symptoms.

Asthma Management Can Stop Your Worst Symptoms

Asthma attacks can occur over a long period of time. Although there are times when acute episodes strike asthmatics, most asthma sufferers say that there are long periods during which they suffer few, if any, asthma symptoms.

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

Asthma does not have to leave you breathless. Even though it can be difficult to live with, it can be successfully controlled.  With the right therapy, you can take your life back. If you want to learn about different medical treatments and natural remedies, take a peek at:

An Easy Definition...	Do I Have Asthma?	Asthma Symptoms
Science Of An Asthma Attack	Causes Of Asthma	Severe Asthma
Complications Of Asthma	Allergies And Asthma	Stress And Asthma

Bronchitis And Asthma: What Is The Difference

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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