Symptoms and Complications
Some children feel an itch on the back of the neck just prior to an asthma attack. Most people have some warning sign that they can learn to recognize. Some signs, like a sore throat, are obvious. Others, like dark circles under your eyes or a change in the color of your face, may go unnoticed.
Asthma varies in its severity. Some people experience asthma symptoms continuously while others experience symptoms only if exposed to triggers. Regardless of the severity, typical asthma symptoms include:
- chest tightness
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
With more severe asthma, these symptoms may occur at night.
Wheezing is the best-known asthma symptom, but not everyone with asthma wheezes. Some people only have a cough that doesn't seem to go away.
A really severe asthma attack is life threatening. Even if some air is coming in, deadly carbon dioxide builds up in the blood. If you or a family member can't breathe and the normal medication isn't working, call an ambulance.