Drugs, such as aspirin, can precipitate asthma. Some patients develop asthma during pregnancy. Asthma attacks are typically episodic. Intervals between attacks can be days, months, or years. In some individuals, asthma can become a daily problem.
Symptoms of asthma vary, and are related to the severity of the airway obstruction.
Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath during attacks. In more severe cases, patients tend to lean forward, bracing their arms on their knees in order to maximize air movement. They may only be able to speak in one or two word sentences. If severe airway obstruction interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the brain, patients can become restless and confused. Diagnosis of asthma is generally not difficult.