What to Do About Early Signs of Asthma

About 27 million people in the United States have asthma. Asthma affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow. This makes it difficult for someone with asthma to breathe. 

Although it’s a common chronic disease in children, asthma affects adults, too, and specialists like those at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center diagnose it in people of all ages.

Recognizing the early signs of asthma and taking appropriate action gives you a better chance at effectively managing the condition. At our offices in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia, we understand the importance of early detection and intervention in asthma. 

Here’s more about the early signs of asthma and what to do if you notice them.

Some early signs of asthma

Early indicators of asthma can vary from person to person, but you may experience these  common signs:

Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that you may hear when you breathe. It’s one of the most common signs of asthma, especially when you exhale.

Coughing

Frequent coughing, especially at night or early in the morning, can be an early sign of asthma. This cough may be persistent and unresponsive to typical cough remedies.

Shortness of breath

Feeling out of breath during physical activity, at rest, or even while sleeping can indicate asthma.

Chest tightness

You might feel a sensation of tightness in the chest, which can be uncomfortable and distressing.

Increased mucus production

Asthma can lead to an increase in mucus production, which can further exacerbate symptoms. Everyone produces a small amount of mucus, but if you notice it increases in volume or stickiness, reach out to our office. 

Coughing or wheezing after exposure to triggers

If you notice that symptoms worsen after exposure to certain triggers, such as allergens, smoke, or cold air, it might be an early sign of asthma.

What to do if you notice the early signs of asthma

If you or a loved one is experiencing early signs of asthma, reach out to Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center for a thorough evaluation. We can evaluate your symptoms and make a definitive diagnosis.

An early diagnosis and treatment helps you manage asthma effectively.

You can assist our providers by maintaining a diary to track when symptoms occur, their frequency, and any potential triggers. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. When you notice triggers, minimize your exposure to them. 

If you’re diagnosed with asthma, follow our care plan, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, and what to do when you experience flare-ups. If your child has asthma, you need to tell their school and caregivers how to deal with an asthma attack.

Asthma is a lifelong condition, so scheduling regular follow-up appointments at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center is critical to your long-term care. At these appointments, we can evaluate how your current plan is working and make adjustments as needed. 

At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, we help people with asthma get control over their condition so they can live healthy, active lives. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing early signs of asthma, don't hesitate to make an appointment. Call your nearest office or send us a message here on our website to book your visit.