signs and symptoms of asthma

signs and symptoms of asthma questions and answers

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Q: asthma??? diabetes???
I know that you have to go and get tested. but what are the signs or symptoms? of each?? I've had breathing difficulties since a child and couldn't keep up in big physical activities at school, and run out of breath easily when running or walking up large hills. I've been told that I should find out about diabetes. I've had my sugar levels checked when I had my blood test (I'm pregnant) and they were fine. help?? I am pretty sure that I don't have anything overly serious, but if I have even the slightest issue of one of these things, it would explain alot. thx :)

A: Go to an allergist Asthma Symptoms People with asthma experience symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus. Common symptoms of asthma include: Coughing, especially at night Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness, pain, or pressure Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one asthma attack and severe during another. Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. In addition, some people with asthma may only have asthma during exercise or asthma with viral infections like colds. Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control. 1. Know the Early Asthma Symptoms Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. These asthma attack symptoms may start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that your asthma is worsening. In general, these signs are not severe enough to stop you from going about your daily activities. But by recognizing these signs, you can stop an asthma attack or prevent one from getting worse. Early warning signs include: Frequent cough, especially at night Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath Feeling very tired or weak when exercising Wheezing or coughing after exercise Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody Decreases or changes in lung function as measured on a peak flow meter Signs of a cold, or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache) Trouble sleeping ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Diabetes Symptoms -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes. Some diabetes symptoms include: Further Reading . . . Pinpoint the danger signs of diabetes-related trouble in 60 seconds or less with The Diabetes Problem Solver. Also, get symptoms, risks, course of action, treatment, and prevention information on a wide array of conditions. Check out more books on healthy living here. Frequent urination Excessive thirst Extreme hunger Unusual weight loss Increased fatigue Irritability Blurry vision If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away. You can also take our Online Diabetes Risk Test to find out if you are at risk for diabetes.

Q: Painful urinary problems?
I'm having odd urinary problems. Signs & symptoms include: foamy urine, pain down length of urethra after urination, and this may be unrelated but dry mouth & thick saliva. My urologist cultured my urine, checked for protein in my urine, checked the function of my kidneys, checked my prostate-- everything is normal. What could be causing these strange symptoms? Other info: -24 year old male -It is not an STD -take cymbalta for anxiety 1/day, albuterol as needed for asthma -no other health issues besides asthma

A: Do you eat a lot of spicy food??? That can create a painful passing of water. It could be bcause of your diet, If your are eating or drinking alot of acidic things e.g. orange juice, soft drinks shit like that, that could be affecting your digestive juices creating acidic wee wee. If this is what you are drinking and eating then start drinking milk, water and eating cheese. This should help neutralise the acid in your stomach and I predict that you will pee normally. Remember this is just a prediction but give it a go

Q: Singulair w/ depression as a side effect?
I have asthma and have been on Singulair for +/- 6 months. I have experienced the rages, depression, suicidal thoughts, self loathing thoughts, etc. being reported on the news. I am in my 30's and wondering if anyone else can share or add light on this. It has been a horrific experience and a relief to discover that I am not losing my mind. The conclusive studies on the link between Singulair and depression/suicidal thoughts will not be completed for months, but from what I have read and experienced it cannot be mere coincidence. I do not feel that the drug should be taken off the market- it has helped a lot of people as well and been a life changing medication for them- but I think a screening process should be initiated by the medical community. I have dealt with seasonal depression for 20 years and know the signs/symptoms/and how to cope and work through it though every few years I will need an antidepressant. This depression has been extremely more severe. Thanks!

A: You should definitely talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. For me personally, the news kinda bothered me at first because I am taking Lexapro for an anxiety disorder and depression. Anyone who takes SSRI's knows that they put you at elevated risk for suicide, severe depression, etc. So it concerned me that I am now taking two medications that may increase the risk of suicide. I talked to my therapist and will talk to my doctor about it. With SSRI's you have to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the drug compared to the side-effects, risks and such. I'm sure that this Singulair thing will turn out to be a similar situation.

Q: Can anyone explain how a cough can be the only sign of asthma?
My daughter has an ongoing hacking cough. No fever, no runny nose, no wheezing, NOTHING else. Her lungs sound perfectly clear, according to two doctors. Still, they want her to use an inhaler for asthma, because apparently, sometimes a cough is the only symptom. I had asthma until I was about 25 years old, and I KNOW what it feels like. My daughter has no trouble breathing, no wheezing, nothing. I have great difficulty believing that her cough equals asthma, and don't want to treat for asthma. Can somebody explain the biology of a cough being the only symptom of asthma to me? Doesn't asthma mean a swelling and narrowing of the bronchial airways? If she doesn't have this, is it asthma? I'm confused, and don't want to treat something she may not have. I feel like the doctors are going with the easiest "answer" instead of finding out what really might be wrong. Thanks!

A: Asthma is not just narrowing of the bronchial tubes. It refers to a great many things wrong with the lungs. Sometimes, using an inhaler for a cough is the right thing to do. When Southern California had that huge Earthquake back in 1992, I had to go on albuterol to help my lungs. Many children (I was 11 at the time) and babies were actually developing asthma (or dying) because of the stuff that was shook up from the ground. Spores, or whatever. I got over it in about 6 months and didn't need the inhaler. Depending on what type of inhaler they plan to use, it's probably just a steroid. She may not have asthma, but she might still need the steroids. You don't mention how old she is... but if you are this reluctant, and she is not in any immediate danger, you might want to consider going the holistic route. Eucalyptus oil, Breath Easy tea, etc. Go to your local herbal store and ask them for some natural remedies for the cough. I'd run it by the doctor first, obviously. Whenever I had a bad dry cough, my mother would just sit me in the bathroom with the hot water running, then pour Eucalyptus oil into the tub. The steam and the oil would really help to ease the coughing.

Q: I think i have asthma. is this a symptom?
Okay it all started when i was in 5th grade and i was in basketball. While i was running, I got this weird feeling in my chest and I started to cough and cough. It happens sometimes now and im in the 8th grade. Also I cough up some mucus sometimes. Also i have a shortness of breath. Is this signs of asthma?

A: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html go here

Q: [[HELP!]] My Grandson Has Asthma but his parents...?
My three year old grandson has severe signs of asthma, such as wheezing and coughing when he becomes active or is exposed to dust or cold air, I am familiar with these symptoms because my teen daughter also has asthma and has had it since she was a young child. I am concerned and worried because my grandson coughed and wheezed so badly yesterday when I was babysitting him that he upchucked. He was diagnosed once when he was younger and provided with a nebulizer machine but now his parents refuse to acknowledge that he has asthma at all and they tell me that I'm crazy and get angry at me when I say that he does. My daughter (his mother) refuses to give him any medicine at all for anything because she thinks it is unhealthy since he is so young. She said that she asked the Doctor about it again recently and the Doctor said he was fine, but he didn't have a check-up when she said that. I am worried and I need advice. What should I do? How can I get them to realize that he has asthma and needs help?

A: You're fighting an uphill battle here. The child does need his medication and the chronic inflammation that continues to occur in his airways are causing permanent damage. Your daughter needs to do some research on asthma and see what kind of damage it can cause. Also, she is putting her child at risk for a fatal asthma attack which can happen at any time. Vomiting after coughing is common in children but coughing all the time and wheezing is not. Maybe next time you babysit and he is doing this, take him to a doctor or an urgent care and then tell your daughter you were worried he was having an asthma attack in order to get him evaluated for this. It is not unhealthy for young children to take medications if their body needs it. It is more unhealthy NOT to have needed medications. You need to continue voicing your concern every time the child is ill because one day, it may save his life.

Q: [[HELP!]] My grandson has asthma but his parents....?
My three year old grandson has severe signs of asthma, such as wheezing and coughing when he becomes active or is exposed to dust or cold air, I am familiar with these symptoms because my teen daughter also has asthma and has had it since she was a young child. I am concerned and worried because my grandson coughed and wheezed so badly yesterday when I was babysitting him that he upchucked. He was diagnosed once when he was younger and provided with a nebulizer machine but now his parents refuse to acknowledge that he has asthma at all and they tell me that I'm crazy and get angry at me when I say that he does. My daughter (his mother) refuses to give him any medicine at all for anything because she thinks it is unhealthy since he is so young. She said that she asked the Doctor about it again recently and the Doctor said he was fine, but he didn't have a check-up when she said that. I am worried and I need advice. What should I do? How can I get them to realize that he has asthma and needs help?

A: I suppose you should be taking him to a pediatrician. I am not sure about the management of childhood asthma. Try posting the same question in doctor forums like http://mymedexpert.com/ . You may get answer from doctors

Q: Phlegm cough in 3 month old baby - mold, dog... asthma? Allergies?
I have a question about my 3 month old baby boy. We are now Thursday. On Tuesday, he started having a phlegm cough. It sounds like all he needs to do is to clear his throat, but of course, he doesn't know how to do that yet. He doesn't have a runny nose and he doesn't have a fever. He breathes just fine at night, we can't hear the phlegm, but he will cough several times at night. Also, it doesn't seem to bother him, but he's a pretty laid-back baby, so I'm not sure if he's going to wait until things are really bad to give us a sign that something's wrong. He feeds well, but sometimes the feeding has to be interrupted for him to cough. Sometimes, his burps make a different sound from before, a sound that resembles a chest cough. But he doesn't seem to be bothered by that - it's almost as if he's burping and coughing at the same time. Background info: - He was born at term, very healthy, and has not had health issues since his birth - At his 2 months checkup, the doctor heard a heart murmur. The doctor was not too concerned with this, but still referred me to the cardiology department. But I guess there's no real rush, since the first date I could get is 3 months from now - Now the scary part: We moved into a new apartment 2 months ago. However, 2 weeks ago, we discovered that the apartment is full of mold. There's carpets everywhere, and we're suspecting that there's mold spores all over the carpets. At first, we thought that the carpets just needed a good cleaning, which we did several times. But then we discovered mold under some furniture, and we realized that the carpets were not dirty, but moldy. - Since we moved in when our baby was 1 month old, and I was still recovering, I spent a lot of time inside that apartment, with my baby. - Since discovering the mold, we have sanitized everything, thrown away the moldy furniture, and moved in with my in-laws, because the landlord is taking his sweet time to do something about it, and I'm not exposing my baby to a moldy apartment. - We have now been visiting some friends for 1 week, and stayed at their place, and they have a dog. It's a mix between a lab and a dalmatian I think, so the dog has short hair, but it still sheds some. We're going back to my in-laws tomorrow. This is my first baby, so I'm kind of panicked, especially because I'm worried because of the mold. My questions: - Is this cough a sign of allergies? - Is this cough a sign of asthma? - If your kids have asthma or allergies, what were the first symptoms? - How can I help my baby get rid of this cough? I've read about running a hot shower and having my baby breathe the steam. However, I'm not living in my apartment right now because of the mold, so I feel really uncomfortable doing that in someone else's house, because of the cost of the hot water. Is there an alternative? And how many times a day should I do it? I've tried holding my baby above a cup of really hot water, with a blanket over both our heads. However, it felt like he really didn't like it - I'm not sure what was wrong - maybe it was too concentrated for him, too close, I don't know. I wasn't uncomfortable, so I don't know what was bothering him. Also, I was reading about having him sleep with his head elevated. However, I'm not too sure how I feel about that because I feel that by elevating his head, I would be constricting his airways. Anyways, if you could give me really specific solutions, that would be great :)

A: Hi Claudia, Often exposure to toxic mold is misdiagnosed for asthma or other respiratory conditions. I def would not go back to the previous apartment assuming for good measure that it is toxic indeed. Regarding your child, If you still have access to the old apartment i would hire a qualified mold tester and have the mold tested for certain species of toxic mold like the very very dangerous stachybotys mold. If it comes back positive for stachy i would tell you Doctors immediately your baby needs anti fungal meds as the body will not naturally expose of the inherent toxins. Dont take no for an answer.

Q: pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma - what is going on?
Hi, For over a week, I have been very weak, achy, tired... I finally developed a 101.5 fever, and my chest began to hurt. I coughed up flem, and I was waking up having a hard time catching my breath, in addition to sometimes having this feeling during the day. The doc. said it is probably either bronchitis or pneumonia, and I was given biaxin, which I was told would treat either of the two. Now, 3 days later, the fever is gone, and the cough is a little better (not a lot), but I woke up several times (about 5) with a feeling of not being able to catch my breath. I would keep yawning, and my chest would hurt a little. This is the 1 symptom that has not improved. Can this still be the bronchitis or pneumonia, or can is be something else. Can it be a sign of asthma? Should I have this lingering symptom checked out by a specialist doctor... pulmonologist? Thanks so much.

A: yes... you need X-rays

Q: Corticosteroid???
I'm currently on a corticosteroid medication for my asthma. I know that it inhibits the signs and symptoms of infalammation. I was just wondering every time I take the drug I always feel heat. It's like when you drink a strong liquor. I was thinking if prednisone can actually dilate blood vessels cause i really feel like my blood pressure increases every time i take it. Also my skin reddens. I'm I experiencing some adverse effect of this drug?

A: It depends on the dosage you are taking and the duration (how long) you will be taking it. ALWAYS take the tablets with food so that it will not cause stomach upset or burn your stomach walls.. If you have any discomfort after consuming the tablets, please consult your doctor.. The doctors who prescribed the corticosteroid tablets always titrate the dosage to the lowest level so as not to cause too much harm to the body.. I have consumed corticosteroid tablets (20mg-30mg) whenever i have an asthma attack coming on.

Q: I have a question about asthma?
I know asthma is a chronic condition, i.e it happens constantly and recurs. But is having symptoms of asthma such as wheezing once o twice a year, w/o needing an inhaler to stop it a sign that one has asthma, like me? I sometimes get wheezing, but it never starts at the same environments, and the symptoms go away without a bronchiodialator or other medication.

A: You might have a mild form of asthma called exercise induced asthma. Just take care of your lungs, don't smoke etc. as in your later years it will come back at you and bite you.

Q: Could it be Asthma or not?
It started a couple of weeks ago, i first had a runny nose (sort of) but not very much, then i felt like having a pain in the chest and back, and had sort of a urge to cough (not that i MUST cough) but i had that pain, i wasn't wheezing or anything, nor had any difficulty breathing, and that lasted a couple of days, i was taking some medicine, then i felt normally, then i got a cold, didn't have those original symptoms, now that the cold seems to go better, i again developed the original symptoms. I feel the pain in the back and chest, have a soft urge to cough, and no problems breathing. It looks like a respiratory infection to me, but could it be a sign of asthma? I noticed that when i am scared this pain is much worse.And right now at the moment i feel the pain went away for a moment....

A: Your symptoms sound related to the recent respiratory infection and not to asthma. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and occasionally chest pain. People can have some overreactivity in their airways after a respiratory infection, but this should improve with time. Asthma can be tested for with a simple breathing test called spirometry. If you are concerned, then see your doctor and get evaluated. Good luck.

Q: okay the reason I'm putting this in respiratory please every one read!?
Is because a lot of you seem to not know what the easy common symptoms of asthma are - you can easily google them (www.google.com) typing in the keywords asthma symptoms aside from that I'm going to go over just a set of symptoms 1) chest pains and or heart pains 2) trouble breathing - shortness of breath 3) coughing and or wheezing you don't have to have allergies to have asthma also you may feel as though there is a rope being tied around your chest tightening it these are all signs of asthma - you may have borderline - slightly moderate - to severe. and sometimes it is undetectable or hard to detect make sure you drill your doctor with "I can't breath" "I have attacks of asthma" and go over the symptoms on the list I provided. no I didn't say that I say that - symptoms meaning you may or may not have just like the back of a medication bottle you may or may not have the symptoms. also my mother had asthma as a child so I do know some of the symptoms I was just warning people if they are feeling a certain way they really should get it under control - thanks a lot for being so mean. and in fact those are the key components to asthma - lack of oxygen to your heart causes pain Why do you think heart disease is the number one killer in this country - because doctors choose to ignore the facts perhaps? maybe you are the one that is arrogant. Notice the "and or" when I write the symptoms - might mean you may or may not have it but it can be likely with severe asthma. There are many different types of asthma like skin asthma. but I do know the key component is it is hard for you to breath moron. I've already read about asthma and I have known people in my family whom have had it so don't you dare come on here and call me arrogant when you don't even know what I'm trying to do. I didn't say asthma was ooze in a ditch I did give the key warning signs so why don't you lighten up a little? because sooner or later it's all generalized to a person who can't breath or is having trouble breathing. and if you are jogging and have chest pain yes that is kind of like asthma because it is lack of oxygen to your heart. I do know that regulating oxygen can be hard - I was just in the hospital for this (overdosing on drugs) I had to take the oxygen off of me and put it back on sometimes (regulating it) so sorry if I seem arrogant but I do know what lack of oxygen is. also dave I never berated you - but your insult speaks for itself. sorry if I called you a moron I can see now you are sensitive but don't let that sensitivity get to your better judgement I did list the key signs and have two if not 3 family members with asthma so I do know all too well.. I read to double check thanks for making fun of me again -

A: You have the arrogance to come on this section and insult the good people here who are just trying to help. And if you knew anything about asthma besides what you read you'd wouldn't be so far off in your description. You've obviously never come in contact with an asthmatic patient because then you'd know you can't just lump them all together with a 1,2,3 of symptoms. Most asthmatics don't have chest or heart pains. Trouble breathing and wheezing, you had to look that up? What a Genius! Do you know the first thing about the pathophysiology of asthma? Do you have a clue as to the pharmacokinetics of the drugs used to treat it. What are the three major components of asthma? Whoever you are, don't you dare come on here and berate people who are just trying to help. Especially when you don't know what you're talking about!

Q: Does ur baby/child have asthma?
My 6 month old is starting to show signs of what I think could be asthma. *She has these little coughs that sound fake. But then I'm thinking it could be a shortness of breath. Last night Before her bath I noticed her crying seemed different. *It sounded really nasal-ish and a chets congested. *Her talking/babbling sounds like she has a chest cold. I don't think she's sick because she has no other symptoms of being sick. *what are the symptoms of asthma??? DOES UR BABY HAVE ASTHMA??? if so how did u know/ find out???

A: Our baby has asthma. She was diagnosed right around 2 months. She seemed to be having trouble breathing, kind of like it required a lot of effort, and you could feel it (if you had your hand on her back), so the doctor sent us home with a nebulizer for her. She is now 7 months old and she does fine. I know that it is harder to diagnose asthma in a little baby because it is rarely seen. Make sure you talk to your doctor. They can even do a chest x-ray to see if there is inflammation.

Q: Please help? i need help? 10pts.?
I will give 10 pts to best answer. help with my h.w. 1. what are signs and symptoms and causes and treatment of bacterial meningitis? 2. why do you think the neurological examination is not usually performed in depth as part of the routine physical examination?what would be advantages and disadvantages of it? 3. for patients with asthma often perform respiratory testing,called peak flow monitoring at home. how would you instruct the patient to perform it if ordered by doctor?

A: 1. signs and symptoms for bacterial meningitis are: flu like symptoms, coughing, nausea, headache. Person will experience back pain and continuous head pain. In more virulent case, the person may vomit. Causes, exposing your skin, tongue, or lungs to bacteria such as E.coli. Treatement - antibiotics.