The Asthma Center

Symptoms of Asthma

Common Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing (especially a dry, hacking, repetitive cough)

Symptoms of Worsening Asthma

  • Increased shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or wheezing
  • Decrease in Peak Expiratory Flow Rates (PEFR)
  • Increased use of inhaler
  • Waking up at night with asthmatic symptoms
  • Decreased exercise tolerance
  • Missing school or work due to symptoms
  • Need for emergency care
  • Decreased responsiveness to medications
  • Persistence of symptoms despite treatment
  • Decreased quality of life due to symptoms