1. Wheezing:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, often associated with difficulty in exhaling.
2. Shortness of breath:
This is a feeling of not being able to get enough air, which may occur at rest or during physical activity.
3. Chest tightness:
This can feel like a squeezing or heavy pressure around the chest area, often a sign of bronchoconstriction.
4. Coughing, especially at night:
Persistent coughing, particularly at night, can indicate that asthma may not be well-controlled.
5. Difficulty speaking in full sentences:
Struggling to speak without pausing for breath is a sign of significant respiratory distress.
6. Rapid breathing:
Increased breathing rate can be a response to low oxygen levels in the blood due to asthma.
7. Use of accessory muscles to breathe:
In severe asthma, the muscles in the neck and chest may visibly work harder to help with breathing.
8. Feeling fatigued or weak:
Chronic fatigue may result from the body's constant effort to breathe properly.
9. Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems:
Asthma symptoms that worsen at night can disrupt sleep and are a sign of poorly controlled asthma.
10. Variability in peak flow meter readings:
Fluctuations in readings can indicate instability in lung function, often before symptoms worsen.