by Jennifer Moll

Created on: April 10, 2009

Inflammation of the air passages that cause temporary narrowing of the airways causing breathing difficulty, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest are all symptoms of asthma.

Asthma has three main features which include:

1. Airway obstruction

The bands of muscle surrounding the airways tighten so air cannot move freely causing a person to wheeze and feel short of breath.

2. Inflammation

The bronchial tubes are red and swollen and may contribute to long-term lung damage.

3. Airway irritability

Due to slight triggers such as pollen, animal dander, dust or fumes, the airways of people with asthma tend to narrow.

Common triggers that can cause asthma symptoms to worsen are:

- Infections (cold, flu, sinusitis)

- Allergens (pollens, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites)

- Irritants (strong odors)

- Tobacco smoke

- Exercise

- Changes in weather

- Strong emotions (stress)

- Medications

Common symptoms of an asthma attack, a sudden worsening of symptoms, may include: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or pain, pressure or tightness on the chest.

While wheezing is the key sign of asthma for most people, there are other more unusual symptoms such as: a dry, hacking, persistent cough or a chronic cough without wheezing, rapid breathing, sighing, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and anxiety.

Asthma symptoms are not always consistent and vary from time to time. Also health conditions such as heart failure or bronchitis may mimic asthma symptoms but are not asthma. Therefore, it can be a challenge for you and your physician to get an accurate diagnosis of asthma and start an effective treatment plan. It is important for your physician to further evaluate any cough that lasts longer than three weeks.

The first step to managing asthma is getting a proper diagnosis so your physician can prescribe the most effective asthma medications to treat your symptoms.

Asthma inhalers are the most common and effective treatment. Asthma inhalers can either contain an inhaled steroid which reduces swelling and the production of mucus in the airways or bronchodilators which are used to quickly relieve coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest and/or shortness of breath caused by asthma.

Getting a proper asthma diagnosis can be difficult because when a patient arrives at the doctor's office the obvious asthma symptoms may not be present. Also a patient may go for weeks or months without having any asthma symptoms, making the diagnosis process even more difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is by helping your doctor by noticing what triggers your asthma attacks.

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