Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways and can cause difficulty breathing. Symptoms of asthma in adults can vary in severity from occasional mild bouts of breathlessness to daily wheezing that lasts even when a patient takes large doses of medication. The most common signs and symptoms of asthma in adults include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)
- Waking at night due to asthma symptoms
- A drop in your peak flow meter reading (if you use one)
Asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to an allergen, irritants in the air, or extreme weather conditions. Exercise or an illness, particularly a respiratory illness or the flu, can also make you more susceptible. It is important to seek emergency treatment if you experience a rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing, no improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, or shortness of breath when doing minimal physical activity. If you think you have asthma, see your doctor if you experience symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, and other activities, or if you have sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups.
