Short & Long-Term Effects of Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects approximately 26 million Americans. Asthma causes inflammation of the airways and results in painful, uncomfortable and deadly symptoms. The disease is diagnosed through a series of tests by a physician and is treated with rescue inhalers, long-term daily inhalers and steroids. Asthma patients are also advised to avoid allergy triggers, since allergic reactions often precede an asthma attack.

Cough

• Someone with asthma may experience a chronic or short-term cough. Coughing usually occurs at night or after contact with allergy triggers.

Shortness of Breath

• Shortness of breath is one of the first signs of an asthma attack. The individual may feel that he is unable to breath and may begin taking deep breaths to get air to his lungs. This symptom is vital in recognizing an impending asthma attack and is usually treated with a rescue inhaler.

Wheezing

• Wheezing is one of the most recognizable asthma characteristics and, like coughing, tends to occur mainly at night, especially if the patient has spent the day around allergens. Wheezing sounds like the lungs are whistling, and is characterized by deep, labored breathing.

Chest Tightness

• Chest tightness is another symptom of an asthma attack. Chest tightness may be painful and accompanied by wheezing.

Airway Remodeling

• Severe asthma sufferers may eventually experience airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is when a person's airway actual changes its internal structure. This sometimes results in a partial or complete blockage and must be medically treated.