Asthma Early Warning Signs
- A runny nose, headache, or itchy chin often precedes an asthma attack.
- Trouble sleeping and feeling tired are other typical signs.
- So are dark circles under the eyes and less tolerance for exercise.
- Frequently, people get moody before an asthma attack starts.
A Persistent Cough
Signs of an asthma attack vary from one attack to the next. One time there may be little or no coughing before an attack. The next time, there may be a persistent cough, especially at night.
The cough is typically dry and hacking. (Sometimes, however, the cough may be wet and productive.)Avoid taking cough medicine. Cough medicine won’t help the asthma.
Chest and Neck Retractions
When it’s hard to breathe, the tissue in the chest and neck may sink in with each breath. This is called retraction.
Retractions indicate that not enough air is getting into the lungs, and are signs of a medical emergency. Call 911 or see a doctor immediately.
In children other signs of deterioration in breathing are:
- poor appetite
- fatigue
- decreased activity
Go to WebMD to learn about more signs of a pending asthma attack here:
Signs of a Pending Asthma Attack
