Preventing Asthma Episodes: Symptoms, Triggers and Risks

Asthma attacks can be controlled and hospitalization can be prevented. In order to avoid the serious consequences of asthma, it is critical to know the symptoms, triggers and risk factors that cause or lead to an attack. It is also important to have a plan of action in case an episode does occur.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath or inability to breathe.
• Wheezing.
• A tight feeling in your chest.
• Coughing during or after exercise or after crying.
• Recurring night coughing (asthma is often worse at night).
• Frequent respiratory infections

There are other symptoms as well. It is important to know what your own symptoms are so that when you feel them coming on, you can take action to control it. When you control your asthma, it will not control you!

An asthma attack is triggered by something that causes the cells in the lungs to produce mucus and constrict the flow of oxygen through the airways. An attack can come on suddenly or take a long time to build up. Triggers can include:

• Allergic reactions to pollens or other air-borne allergens
• Allergic reactions to food, mold, dust, animal hair or feathers, or cockroaches
• Exposure to cigarette smoke, paint fumes, aerosol sprays, or general air pollution.
• Exposure to sudden cold or changes in temperature
• Vigorous exercise
• Respiratory infections or cold virus;
• Emotional stress or excitement

Different people experience different triggers. It is important to know what triggers an attack for you or your child.

Who is at risk for having asthma?

Risk factors that increase the chance of having asthma include:

• Living in an urban area
• Exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals and second-hand smoke
• Have one or both parents with asthma
• Recurrent respiratory infections during childhood
• Obesity
• Low birth weight
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Asthma attacks and hospitalization can be avoided if you have the information and a plan of action.

For additional information:

Vist the Asthma Tool Box on this site.

View Early Warning Signals, which includes a symptom check list, questionnaires and additional tools from the American Lung Association.

View a symptom list in Spanish from the American Thoracic Association.

Download a symptom journal from the Keep Kids Healthy Children's Asthma Center.

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Page last updated: 06/15/2006

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