Asthma tends to be hereditary, chronic and lifelong. The good news is asthma is easily controlled with medication and trigger reduction. It is important to treat asthma symptoms quickly and consistently because severe and frequent episodes may lead to permanent lung damage. Severe flare-ups can be life threatening if not treated promptly. Becoming consistent with managing your symptoms can help you avoid these more severe conditions.

Following are the most common asthma symptoms, but each individual is different. For example, although most people experience coughing and wheezing, some only cough, some only wheeze and some only experience chest tightness. The symptoms can also vary in severity.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) lists the following symptoms for asthma:

• coughing
• wheezing (a whistling, squeaky sound when you breathe)
• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• tightening of the chest
• difficulty sleeping because of asthma symptoms

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, but have not been diagnosed with asthma, make an appointment to see your doctor right away. If you have asthma, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms, and see your doctor regularly because symptoms can change over time, and your treatment may need to be adjusted.

Action:

1. Review the What is Asthma handout for more information.
2. Use the Communicating with Your Doctor and Going to the Doctor Checklist handouts to help you prepare for your doctor appointments.