Asthma vary from person to person and between specific individuals. It’s characterized by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, but these are wide-ranging umbrella symptoms and can present in various ways. These symptoms can be subtle and, perhaps more importantly, may resemble those seen in a host of other conditions. Asthma is, after all, extremely common, and you wouldn’t want to confuse it for another, equally serious respiratory or heart condition. Any confusion could lead to serious complications, so identifying the settings in which the symptoms occur is just as important, with diagnostic testing crucial in recognizing the disorder.

It should be noted that this is a chronic respiratory condition, meaning it typically persists for a long time. It’s also an extremely common disorder, with a very complex and resilient composition. As the lungs swell and your airways narrow, wheezing and shortness of breath are likely to follow. Chest tightness and coughing are usually close behind.

When it comes to asthma, younger people are more likely to experience severe symptoms than those who are somewhat older.  This has lead to the condition being most often associated with children but, the truth is, it can and does affect people of all ages, every year.

The following are the four major recognized asthma symptoms: