Asthma and Allergies – Prevalent Signs

Asthma and Allergies – Prevalent Signs

Asthma and allergy are related in more ways than we know. This is because the allergens that make people sneeze and give them watery eyes are the same that can cause an asthma attack. This is more probable in kids and lesser so in adults. About 90% of kids with asthma have allergies, as compared to 50% of adults with the same conditions. Common allergens for people with asthma, and others, include pollen, mold, dust, and mites. 

Early warning signs are a set of changes that occur at the onset of an asthma episode. At this stage, the more well-known symptoms of asthma may not kick in, but early warning signs of asthma and allergies are severe enough to require a visit to the doctor. Let’s understand some of the early warning signs of asthma and allergies:

  • Frequent coughing at night
    Coughing once in a while is normal, but if one is coughing regularly and it’s making them weak, they should see a doctor. One might also notice coughing at some specific time of the day or when they visit certain places. This can help determine whether the coughing is due to asthma or an allergic reaction.
  • Breathlessness
    Breathlessness or shortness of breath is a problem that can have multiple reasons. However, if one experiences a considerable difference in the breathlessness pattern and if they feel that their stamina levels are dropping, they should get themselves checked for asthma or certain allergies.
  • Feeling tired while exercising
    This carries on from the last point. If one is getting exhausted very soon, they might have a breathing problem that could lead to asthma or allergy.
  • Chest tightness
    This might sometimes feel as though a heavy weight has been placed on the chest, or it might be a bearable ache or sharp stabbing sensation. Eventually, one might face some difficulty in breathing, so it’s best to consult the doctor and get a checkup for asthma.
  • Wheezing
    This is a high-pitched nasal sound that occurs when one is breathing out. Wheezing, at times, can be very hard to hear, and not sound like a problem at all, but any wheezing sound can be a cause for concern as it is one of the early warning signs of asthma and allergies. One should ensure that they visit a doctor when this happens.
  • Cold
    Cold can be one of the major causes and symptoms of asthma and allergies. One of the functions of the nose is to warm the air before it reaches the lungs. However, the air is cold during winters, and it gets difficult for the body to keep it warm. The lungs react to the cold air by tightening, and the dry air could cause the airways to spasm, which can cause an asthma attack. If cold is making it difficult to breathe, one must consult a doctor.