SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN ASTHMA
The main symptoms are
- Difficulty in breathing out.
- Chest tightness.
- Persistent Cough usually worse at night.
- Wheezing (whistling sound on breathing out).
- Increased nasal secretions.
- Consciousness of increased respiratory rate/ heart rate.
- Inability to complete a sentence in one breath.
Pattern of symptoms (periodicity) is of special significance in asthma, which maybe:
- Perennial, seasonal or both
- Continual, episodic or both.
- Onset and duration,
- Frequency (no. of days or nights per week or month)
- Diurnal variations (especially in the night or early morning).
Severity of Asthma: On basis of the severity and pattern of the symptoms asthma is classified as
I. Mild Intermittent
- Symptoms
- Asymptomatic or less than 2 times a week.
- Acute attacks are brief.
- Nightime symptoms – Less than 2 times a month
- Lung function
- FEV1 or PEF>=80% of predicted.
- PEF variation less than 20 %
2. Mild Persistent
- Symptoms
- Symptoms occur less than 2 times a week but less than once a day.
- Acute attacks may affect daily routine.
- Nightime symptoms – More than 2 times a Month
- Lung function
- FEV1 or PEF>= 80%.
- PEF variation is 20-30%
3. Moderate Persistent
- Symptoms
- Symptoms daily.
- Acute attacks >2 week and may last for days affecting routine.
- B-2 agonist inhalation needed daily.
- Nightime symptoms – More than once a week.
- Lung function
- FEV1 or PEF between 60-80% predicted.
- PEF variation >30%.
4. Severe Persistent
- Symptoms
- Symptoms continually.
- Acute attacks frequent.
- Physical activity is limited.
- Nightime symptoms – Frequent
- Lung function
- FEV1 or PEF between 60-80% predicted.
- PEF variation >30%.