5 Less Common Symptoms of Asthma

Wheezing, tightness in the chest, and trouble catching your breath are the all too common symptoms of Asthma most
known by the general public. However there several other symptoms which may go unheeded that can lead to
serious problems with asthma if not treated in a timely fashion.
1. “Just a cold” … While a cold is always accompanied by coughing and sneezing, for asthmatics a cold can
create some real problems. When the symptoms of a cold go beyond the normal time of 1-3 weeks, it may
be an indication of a more severe upper raspatory infection and/or asthma. Commonly a persistent cough
that produces little to no mucus can be a strong indicator of asthma. Also asthma does respond to cough
medicines, go see your doctor and ask about other problems indicating asthma.
2. Hay fever, or Allergic Rhinitis accompanied by red, itchy eyes is common in the fall of the year, however,
asthmatics may experience those same symptoms any time of the year or even all year long. Chemical
exposure can also cause these same symptoms over months or years, especially after breathing smoke or
fumes on a regular basis. This can be “occupational asthma” and should be examined and treated as soon
as your coughing, itching, etc. is present more than a few days a month.
3. Fatigue and trouble sleeping can be coming from Asthma. Sleep deprivation is a serous condition as is the
coughing. Fatigue can cause problems on the job, while driving or operating equipment.
4. Indigestion or heartburn might not be the result of spicy food. Asthma can upset your gastrointestinal
system. coughing and wheezing can lead to GERD - gastric reflux, when stomach acid refluxes/belches
back up into your esophagus, causing a sour taste, or a burning sensation in your throat. Throat and larynx
irritation can sometimes cause even more constriction in your lungs or airways; which can make asthma
worse. An anti-reflux treatment may solve this problem.
5. Frequent, repetitive sighing or feeling breathless, it may be Asthma. An occasional sigh is OK, but if it occurs
often get it checked. This can also be a condition called “sighing dyspnea”, or “air hunger”, more often
present without wheezing.
If any of the above sound familiar, or these symptoms are not consistent, you may be unsure that your condition is
one worth looking into. Many people (especially “macho” men) just think it’s nothing to worry about, or that they just
have to learn to live with it.
The problem is that it is very hard, if not impossible to live with Asthma and its’ more serious partner COPD. Once it
reaches a critical point, working is no longer possible, and your life becomes very restricted.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait, get it checked by a doctor right away. The solution
may be very simple in the early stages.