Question:
I think my son has asthma. How do I tell??
Answer:
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma is an important part of
managing asthma. Knowing when early warning signs or mild symptoms are
occurring is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin
early. Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present,
it is vital to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and
timely assessment of your symptoms or your child's symptoms can help you
and your clinician decide if treatment should begin in the home, at your
clinician's office or in the emergency room. Early warning signs are experienced before the start of an asthma episode.
By discovering these clues that occur before actual asthma symptoms, early
treatment can be started. These signs are unique to each person. Early
warning signs may be the same, similar or entirely different with each
episode. Some early warning signs may be noticed only by the individual,
while other early warning signs are more likely to be noticed by other
persons. In addition, persistent changes in peak flow numbers can be a
reliable early warning sign. Some examples of early warning signs are: Feeling tired, fatigue
Itchy throat
Runny nose
Funny feeling in the chest
Headache
A change in the color, amount or thickness of sputum (mucus)
Peak flow numbers may be in the acceptable range, but are dropping
closer to the caution range (usually 80% of personal best) For a complete checklist of early warning signs, see page 4.
Asthma symptoms indicate that an asthma episode is occurring. Changes have
taken place in the airways and airflow is obstructed. Individuals with
asthma experience some or all of these during an asthma episode. Action
should be taken to treat these symptoms before they become worse.
Wheezing
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest
Peak flow numbers may be in the caution or danger range (usually 50%
to 80% of personal best) Severe asthma symptoms are a life-threatening emergency. These symptoms
indicate respiratory distress.
Examples of severe asthma symptoms include: Severe coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tightness in the
chest Concentrating or talking may become difficult Walking causes
shortness of breath Breathing may be shallow and fast or breathing may
be slower than usual Posturing (hunched shoulders) Nasal flaring
(nostril size increases with breathing) Retractions (the neck area and
between or below the ribs moves inward with breathing) Cyanosis (gray
or bluish tint to skin, beginning around the mouth) Peak flow numbers
may be in the danger zone (usually below 50% of personal best)If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical treatment
immediately. Have an action plan for getting emergency care quickly in
the event of severe asthma symptoms. Inform family members and those who
are close to you or your child of this emergency action plan."
