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What Is the Early Response in Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic illness that causes airway inflammation. Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing are common signs that you may have asthma. Early response in asthma is defined as an immediate response to allergens and non-allergens that trigger asthma episodes or attacks.

  1. Asthma Characteristics

    • In addition to airway inflammation, asthma causes constriction of the muscles around the bronchial tubes, excessive secretion of mucus in the bronchial tubes and an increased sensitivity to allergens and other stimuli.

    Triggers

    • Pollen, dust mites, foods and fumes are common allergens that can trigger asthma attacks. Attacks can also be triggered by exercise, tobacco smoke, respiratory infections, medications, laughing, crying and stress.

    Early Response

    • Early response is the initial response to an asthma attack trigger. Wheezing, chest tightness and other symptoms occur rapidly and can last for hours.

    Late Response

    • Unlike the early response, symptoms during the late response may not occur until one or two days after exposure to an asthma attack trigger. Symptoms can last for up to 24 hours.

    Warning Signs

    • You may experience only an early response while another person may experience both and early and late responses to asthma triggers. Knowing your personal early warning signs will help you properly care for your asthma.

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