Common symptoms
Wheezing
High-pitched whistling sound when breathing, especially during exhalation
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing deeply, often worse with activity or at night
Chest tightness
A feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest
Coughing
Frequent cough, especially at night, early morning, or with exercise
Difficulty sleeping
Nighttime asthma symptoms that disrupt sleep quality
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes them to narrow and swell, making breathing difficult. Triggers vary by patient and may include allergens, exercise, cold air, respiratory infections, or stress.
During an asthma attack, the airways constrict rapidly, causing severe shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. A short-acting bronchodilator (rescue inhaler) is the first-line treatment. Failure to respond to the rescue inhaler within 20 minutes requires emergency care.
After an asthma episode, the airways may remain inflamed and sensitive for several days. During this recovery period, avoid known triggers and continue using maintenance medications as prescribed.