Asthma is one of the most common and well-known respiratory conditions. The condition has the potential to interfere heavily with an individual’s ability to live well and function at their highest potential in day-to-day life. Why does asthma make you cough, though?
One of the most common symptoms of asthma is coughing, which can either be chronic or sporadic depending on the nature of the patient’s asthma. The condition has the potential to express itself in many different ways.
Why Does Asthma Make You Cough?
If you have asthma and it expresses itself through coughing, take a look at this guide that describes why asthma can occur. Especially considering asthma in children, you may want to consult with a pediatric asthma specialist.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airways narrow and swell, which oftentimes results in the airways of the lungs producing extra mucus. This can subsequently make breathing more difficult, and trigger coughing, shortness of breath, and other issues.
Asthma can vary quite a bit in terms of its severity and expression. Some individuals have very mild asthma, while others have severe asthma that can interfere with daily activities and may lead to life-threatening situations. Asthma can unfortunately not be cured. However, it can be managed.
Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma can vary heavily from individual to individual. You may have infrequent asthma attacks or only have symptoms at certain times or situations. Some of the more common symptoms of asthma include the following symptoms:
- Wheezing and excessive exhaling – this symptom is more common in children
- Chest tightness and pain
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Difficulty sleeping due to the other symptoms of asthma
- Coughing and wheezing attacks, many of which become worse when afflicted with a respiratory virus such as the flu
The symptoms of asthma can become worse over time. Keep track of the following signs that your asthma might be worsening:
- The need to use your inhaler more often
- Increased difficulty breathing
- Asthma symptoms that become more frequent and bothersome
Types of Asthma
There are many different subtypes of asthma, each of which requires different types of treatment and management. Some of the most common subtypes of asthma include:
- Occupational asthma: This type of asthma is triggered by workplace irritants. Some of the common irritants include chemical fumes, chemical gasses, or dust.
- Exercise-induced asthma: Some individuals have asthma attacks that are induced by exercise. Oftentimes, this is made worse or more frequent by air that is cold and dry.
- Allergy-induced asthma: this type of asthma is triggered by allergenic substances such as pollen, cockroach waste, mold spores, or dander such as particles of skin.
As stated before, each type of asthma has its own set of treatments and management practices. You’ll be able to discuss what is most appropriate for your situation with your physician during a pre-surgical consultation.
Why Does Asthma Make You Cough?
Asthma coughs are typically triggered when a patient encounters an irritant of some kind. Dust, smoke, and cold air are all examples of potential irritants that can trigger an asthma attack of some kind. Some of the more common asthma triggers include:
- Cold air
- Dust mites
- Exercise
- Mold
- Pests
- Air pollution
- Pests
- Pets
- Strong chemicals and smells
- Tobacco smoke
- Various occupational exposures
When an individual experiences excessive coughing as the primary symptom of their asthma, it’s known as Cough-variant asthma. This means that coughing is the primary expression of an individual’s experience with asthma.
Key Symptoms
However, most types of asthma include coughing as one of the symptoms. Sometimes, this is experienced as a dry cough, while others experience a cough that expels mucus. The cough that occurs in asthmatic attacks occurs from the inflammation that is triggered when an individual encounters a trigger for their cough. On top of the cough, the following symptoms may be experienced by an individual experiencing an attack.
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest tightness
Being aware of the exact kinds of triggers that inflame your own asthma can leave you more empowered to approach it with the best management and treatment practices. Some of the more common treatments include the following types of treatments:
- Inhalers
- Lifestyle changes
- Avoiding triggers
- Eating a healthy diet
- Create an asthma action plan in case you suffer an attack
- Using short-acting bronchodilators
- Consider consulting a respiratory therapist or specialist
The Best Respiratory Specialist Available
Dr. Mayan Shukla is one of the best options available for individuals who are looking to improve the condition of their asthma. If you’re suffering from asthma and would like to consult with a leading asthma doctor about your condition, contact us today to discuss your options.
