The exact cause of the asthmatic airway hyper- reactivity is not known, but the role of genetic factors is currently under study. Another area of study is targeting the possible role of immune system responses to environmental allergens Many factors act as asthma triggers and the triggers vary from person to person. They may experience a tight feeling in the chest or chest pain. Symptoms often worsen at night, awakening the patient. This results in restlessness or sleep problems.
Individuals differ in the warning signs experienced before an attack.
Please review warning signs of asthma episodes from The American Medical Association to help you identify your personal warning signs. To diagnose asthma your physician will conduct a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination focusing on the upper respiratory tract, chest, and skin. During the physical exam physicians look for evidence of airflow obstruction episodes and exclude all other possible problems such as respiratory tract infections. It is an indicator of how well your lungs are working. The results are effort dependent.