Asthma Symptoms

Asthma has been a chronic disease for thousands of years, as long as there have been people to suffer from it, in all probability. The first mention of asthma symptoms in writing comes to us from ancient Greece, where it was assumed that asthma symptoms were brought about solely by occupation.

Today, asthma symptoms are much better understood, though it had to wait until the last half of the twentieth century for the inflammation aspect of the disease to be understood. Asthma symptoms can be frightening to anyone who experiences them and it is important to understand that not all asthmatics will have the same asthma symptoms.

Typically, asthma symptoms comprise shortness of breath and wheezing. In severe asthma attacks, though, the airways may be so impaired that no wheezing can be heard. It is vital to understand the form your asthma takes so that you can be better aware of your asthma symptoms.

The most prominent form of asthma symptoms is a tightening of the chest and a feeling of not being able to get enough air. This is usually present through the entire attack and will intensify as the attack increases in severity. Rapid breathing and rapid heart rate can be another set of asthma symptoms, as well. Severe attacks lead to other asthma symptoms; the asthmatic may turn blue as the oxygen in their body depletes, palms may begin sweating and chest pains may occur.

The best defense when you feel asthma symptoms begin is your fast acting inhaler. This is most often an albuterol inhaler, though other types of medicine are prescribed. Keeping your inhaler on you at all times is the best way to alleviate asthma symptoms and lessen the severity of an asthma attack. Other treatments exist, as well, but your inhaler is the best one for quick relief from frightening symptoms.