5th January 2024

Symptoms

Symptoms of asthma may include cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath, with daily and seasonal variation in symptoms. Symptoms can be absent for weeks or months and then be triggered by any of the above risk factors. In acute exacerbations, patients can be continuously short of breath and may be in respiratory distress. Wheeze is a musical, high-pitched sound that is produced by airflow turbulence, and it is one of the most common symptoms. In mild asthma, wheeze is only end-expiratory. However, as severity increases, it lasts throughout expiration. In severe asthma, wheeze could be present throughout inspiration and expiration. Furthermore, in severe episodes in which there is severe limitation of airflow due to airway narrowing and respiratory muscle fatigue, wheeze may be absent.

Cough may be the only symptom of asthma, especially in chronic or exercise-induced asthma. Usually, cough is non-productive in asthma.

Chest tightness is most common in acute exacerbation of asthma.

Occupational asthma

Adults with new-onset asthma should be assessed for occupational asthma. High-risk occupations include laboratory work, welding, painting, baking and animal handling.