Do you sometimes feel short of breath or experience a tightness in your chest? These might be well-known signs of asthma, but did you know that asthma symptoms can show up in unexpected ways too?
In this blog, we will explore uncommon indicators of asthma that you should be aware of. By understanding these hidden asthma symptoms, you can better manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
Why Recognizing Hidden Asthma Symptoms is Important
Asthma is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. However, not all asthma symptoms are obvious.
Recognizing these hidden signs can help prevent severe attacks and ensure timely treatment. This is especially crucial for asthma patients who may not realize they have the condition or who may be misdiagnosed.
Common Symptoms vs. Hidden Symptoms
Most people know the common signs of asthma like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms usually show up during or after exercise, when you’re around allergens, or at night.
Some asthma symptoms are harder to notice and might not seem like asthma at first. These can include feeling tired, yawning a lot, sighing, and even feeling anxious. Knowing about these hidden symptoms can help you manage asthma better.
Hidden Symptoms of Asthma
Fatigue and Asthma
Feeling tired all the time can be really annoying, but did you know it might be because of asthma? When your body doesn’t get enough oxygen because your airways are tight, you have to work harder to breathe, which makes you feel worn out.
Being tired can make it hard to do daily activities, focus on schoolwork, and enjoy fun activities. This sneaky symptom can really affect your life if it’s not taken care of.
To feel less tired, make sure you’re following your asthma treatment plan. Regular check-ups with your provider can help adjust your asthma medicine and make it easier to breathe, which can help you feel more energetic.
Frequent Yawning and Sighing
Yawning and sighing happen when our body needs more oxygen. People with asthma might yawn and sigh more often because their bodies are trying to get more air.
Yawning and sighing a lot can be signs that your lungs aren’t working well. If you notice this, you should talk to your provider to check for asthma.
Using your asthma inhaler and staying away from things that trigger your asthma can help you yawn and sigh less. Doing breathing exercises can also make your lungs stronger.
Anxiety and Asthma
Anxiety and asthma can often go together. Being scared of having an asthma attack can make you anxious, and feeling anxious can cause asthma symptoms.
Signs of anxiety include a fast heartbeat, sweating, and feeling like something bad is going to happen. These can look like asthma symptoms, so it’s important to tell them apart.
To manage anxiety, talking to a therapist and learning how to relax can help, along with taking care of your asthma to have fewer attacks.
Chronic Cough
If you have a cough that lasts more than eight weeks, it might be an asthma symptom. This type of cough doesn’t go away like a cold and can get worse at night or when you exercise.
Asthma coughs are usually dry and don’t produce mucus. They can start because of things like allergens, cold air, or exercise.
To treat this kind of cough, you might need asthma medicines like inhalers. It’s important to know what triggers your asthma so you can avoid them. Always talk to your provider for the right diagnosis and treatment of your cough.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can be scary and is often thought to be a heart problem. In asthma patients, this pain happens because the chest muscles tighten.
Asthma chest pain usually comes with other asthma symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. If you’re unsure, see your provider to make sure it’s not a heart issue.
Using asthma inhalers correctly and staying away from triggers can help with chest pain. Regular check-ups with your provider for asthma management are important too.
Frequent Respiratory Infections
Asthma can make you more likely to get respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia because inflamed airways are easier targets for germs. Signs of frequent respiratory infections include a persistent cough, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
To prevent infections, get your vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and follow your asthma treatment plan.
Voice Changes
Asthma can change how your voice sounds. You might get a hoarse or strained voice because your airways are inflamed and you cough a lot.
If your voice changes and it doesn’t get better, you should see your healthcare provider. They can figure out if asthma is causing the problem or if something else is.
To keep your voice healthy, manage your asthma symptoms, and use good vocal techniques. Also, avoid things that irritate your lungs, like smoking.
Sleep Disturbances
Asthma can mess up your sleep as coughing and shortness of breath can get worse at night, waking you up often.
If you wake up a lot or feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, asthma might be affecting your rest. To sleep better, use your asthma medications as your provider tells you, and keep your sleeping area clean. Seeing a sleep specialist might also help.
Treatment for Asthma Symptoms in DeSoto, TX
If you’ve noticed any hidden symptoms of asthma, don’t wait to seek help. Early recognition and proper management can make a significant difference in your daily life.
At Pivot Healthcare Company, we specialize in personalized asthma care and treatment. Our experienced healthcare provider, Crystal Capler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is dedicated to helping you identify and manage your asthma symptoms effectively.
If you would like to learn more about hidden asthma symptoms and their management, call us today at (214) 242-9316 or request an appointment with our provider using our convenient form. We look forward to serving you!
