Asthma impacts millions of Americans and is the most common chronic condition among children. It makes breathing very difficult as it is an inflammatory disease that impacts your lung airways. The most common symptom of the disease is wheezing. However, there are a number of unusual asthma symptoms that indicate more serious issues. Asthma should be treated and monitored by an asthma specialist to ensure you stay healthy.
Unusual Asthma Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a diagnosis of asthma. Some people experience unusual symptoms which may indicate that your treatment is no longer working, or that you may have an asthma attack soon.
Sleep Issues:
Experiencing issues with your sleep is unusual if your asthma is properly managed. When you sleep, your airway function decreases. This is especially true if you have asthma as it impacts your lung airways. Unmanaged asthma can cause you to experience traditional symptoms more often at night. Talk with an asthma specialist in NYC about medications that may reduce airway inflammation. This can help ensure you get your rest at night without any issues.
Fatigue:
If you experience sleep issues, it can cause you to feel tired throughout the day. Quality restful sleep is necessary, but this can be difficult if you have asthma symptoms at night. Because your airway function decreases at night, your body has to work harder to get oxygen to your lungs. This can cause fatigue during the day and is not normal if your asthma is properly managed.
Issues During Physical Activity:
Regular exercise is important for people with asthma. Physical activity should not be an issue if your asthma is properly managed. Some people get exercise-induced asthma, but this is often when you are doing certain high-intensity workouts. Deep and rapid breathing can trigger your asthma symptoms. Cold and dry air, pollution, and chlorine can also trigger your asthma. If you experience asthma issues during exercise, contact an asthma doctor in Brooklyn to adjust your treatment plan.
Anxiety:
Some people experience mood-related issues which can impact your mental health. Anxiety and difficulty concentrating are unusual symptoms of asthma, but those with asthma can experience them. Work with an asthma specialist and a therapist (if necessary) to properly manage your symptoms.
Dry Cough:
Coughing is the most common symptom of asthma. In fact, more than half of people with asthma experience this symptom. Wet and wheezy coughs are generally normal if you have issue with your asthma. However, a chronic and dry cough is an unusual symptom. Coughing without any mucus is referred to as an “unproductive cough” and indicates you need to adjust your asthma treatment.
Quick Breaths:
A common asthma symptom is shortness of breath. This is due to the impact asthma has on your lung’s airways. However, short and rapid breaths are an unusual symptom. Quick breaths indicate that your lungs need more oxygen. If you experience this unusual symptom, it’s important to talk with a medical professional.
Itchiness:
Wheezing and coughing can sometimes be accompanied by an itchy face and throat. While wheezing and coughing are common, itchiness is unusual. If allergens trigger your asthma symptoms, you can experience asthma symptoms and allergy symptoms at the same time. This is referred to as allergic asthma and may also come with an itchy face and throat, in addition to itchy skin, rashes, congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and a runny nose. Avoid allergy triggers and talk with your asthma doctor about your treatment plan so you can address both issues.
Asthma Specialist in NYC
If you experience the usual or unusual symptoms of asthma, schedule an appointment with the top asthma specialist in NYC. Dr. Mayank Shukla is a skilled and experienced asthma specialist who has helped countless patients manage their asthma diagnosis. Contact his office today for a consultation and get your asthma under control!
