Asthma may affect patients on a daily basis, only at night, or during exercise. It is sometimes difficult for patients to subjectively assess the severity of their illness based on symptoms. Common warning signs indicative of an impending episode include fatigue, scratchy throat, cough, headache, increase in sputum, rhinitis, a change in respiration's, heaviness in the chest, moodiness, dark circles under the eyes, paleness, or a change in peak flow readings. Patients are typically able to identify some signs that will serve as a warning to them. During an asthma attack symptoms indicate that changes in the airways have occurred.
Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent exacerbation.
Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening episode that requires immediate medical intervention. Triggers Allergic triggers . Allergens that are harmless to most people can be debilitating to an asthmatic. Allergens such as molds, dust, dust mite particles, pollens, animal dander, insect stings and cockroach particles are present in the air we breathe. The best treatment for allergies is to avoid them.