Signs and symptoms of asthma

Summary

Asthma commonly causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms are often worse at night and in the early morning, and may be triggered by exercise or cold air. Some people have infrequent symptoms mainly in response to triggers, while others experience frequent or persistent symptoms. During an asthma exacerbation (often called an asthma attack), symptoms increase and lung function decreases. Exacerbations can be mild to life-threatening, and may be accompanied by signs such as use of accessory breathing muscles, chest retractions, bluish skin or nails, increased heart rate, and changes in respiratory sounds. Associated conditions are common, especially in severe asthma, and may include allergic diseases (such as allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis), COPD, bronchiectasis, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Key Points

• 1

  Asthma symptoms typically include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, often worse at night/early morning and with exercise or cold air.

• 2

  Asthma exacerbations involve worsening symptoms plus reduced lung function, with potentially serious physical signs (e.g., accessory muscle use, cyanosis) depending on severity.

• 3

  Asthma frequently co-occurs with other conditions—particularly allergic diseases and other respiratory or systemic disorders—affecting symptom burden and management.