What are the symptoms of asthma?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, asthma may present with recurrent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and audible wheezes. If you experience any discomfort, prompt medical consultation is recommended. For patients diagnosed with asthma, treatment may include medications such as doxofylline tablets, budesonide inhalation powder, and beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol, under the guidance of a physician.
Under normal circumstances, asthma may present with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing sounds (rhonchi). If any discomfort arises, prompt medical consultation is recommended. A detailed analysis follows:
1. Recurrent Wheezing
Wheezing manifests as a high-pitched whistling sound during expiration, accompanied by a sensation of labored breathing and inadequate air intake. Symptoms typically worsen following physical exertion, exposure to allergens, or respiratory tract infections. During acute wheezing episodes, patients may exhibit the “triple concavity sign”—inward retraction of the suprasternal fossa, supraclavicular fossae, and intercostal spaces during inspiration—indicating severe airway obstruction.
2. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
In mild exacerbations, dyspnea occurs only during physical activity; in severe cases, it persists even at rest, often necessitating an upright, forward-leaning posture with elevated shoulders to reduce respiratory effort.
3. Cough
Cough is typically non-productive (dry) and frequently occurs at night or in the early morning. It may be the sole presenting symptom of asthma. This cough results from airway inflammation or bronchospasm and generally responds poorly to conventional antitussive agents; effective relief requires standardized asthma treatment.
4. Chest Tightness
Patients experience a subjective sensation of chest constriction or pressure, as if a heavy weight is pressing on the chest. This symptom likely stems from inadequate ventilation secondary to airway narrowing. Chest tightness may occur in isolation or concurrently with wheezing and coughing. In some individuals, it appears as a prodromal symptom hours to days before an acute exacerbation.
5. Wheezing Sounds (Rhonchi)
During exacerbations, scattered or diffuse wheezes are audible bilaterally on auscultation. These result from turbulent airflow through narrowed airways. In severe exacerbations, however, wheezes may diminish or disappear entirely due to extreme airway narrowing—a sign of critical illness requiring urgent intervention.
For confirmed asthma, patients should receive pharmacologic treatment under physician guidance, including medications such as doxofylline tablets, budesonide inhalation powder, and beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol. Additionally, patients should maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid spicy, irritating foods—including Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic—to support recovery.
