This One Symptom Is a Weird Asthma Sign Most People Miss
Fall allergy season is in full swing. From August to November, the most common outdoor allergy trigger is caused by ragweed pollen, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
And with asthma impacting more than 24 million people in the United States, you may be struggling right now.
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“Asthma is a long-term condition that affects how you breathe,” explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, pulmonologist and Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health. “It happens when the airways in your lungs get swollen and narrow, which makes it hard to get air in and out.”
Asthma can affect anyone, from kids to adults, and usually starts in childhood. According to a study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, nearly 80% of asthma cases begin in the first six years of life.
Asthma can be triggered by many things, like allergies (both indoor and outdoor), pollution, or even stress. Indoor allergies may be caused by mold, pet dander, or dust mites, while outdoor allergies are typically triggered by pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds.
Typical asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, and wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing).
The Weird Sign of Asthma Most People Miss
One symptom that is a weird sign you may be dealing with asthma is a cough that seems to stick around.
“This cough often worsens at night or when you're exercising,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “The symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, sometimes flaring up when you're around smoke, dust, or pet dander.”
A cough caused by asthma will typically be a dry cough, meaning there isn’t much mucus behind it. Dr. Dasgupta notes that most people may miss this as a sign of asthma by thinking their cough is just due to allergies or a lingering cold.
“However, if you notice you’re coughing frequently—particularly at night or during physical activity (exercise), especially when it’s cold outside—it could be a sign of asthma,” adds Dr. Dasgupta. “Many people overlook this because they assume it's just a run-of-the-mill cough, but it can actually signal inflammation in your airways.”
If your cough is caused by asthma, it may also be accompanied by other symptoms, including wheezing, tightness in your chest, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Related: The One Symptom Pulmonologists Are Begging Anyone With Asthma Not To Ignore
Another symptom you may be surprised to know is a sign of asthma is fatigue. "I think people assume they are either pushing themselves, being lazy or are 'getting older'—when, in fact, the inability to properly breathe and ventilate due to a bronchospasm can have an impact on the physical reserve in ANY age group," says Dr. Andrea Espinoza, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist, clinical assistant professor of medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center. "Younger athletes attempt to overcompensate and 'push through', and this can result in inadvertent and dangerous outcomes."
How to Treat Asthma
If your cough is related to asthma, there are several ways for you to treat it.
“Treating asthma usually involves a mix of daily medications to keep things under control and quick-relief bronchodilator inhalers for those moments when you really can’t catch your breath,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Inhaled corticosteroids are common for long-term management. It’s also important to know your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.”
Related: A Life-long Asthma Patient Shares How She’s Learned to Manage Her Condition
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, if you notice your cough flaring two or more times a week, or have coughing symptoms that are severe or unpredictable, you should seek medical attention from your healthcare provider. That may be a general practitioner, an allergist, or a pulmonologist.
"As a pulmonologist, I see first-hand how important it is for patients to get their asthma under control – instead of feeling like they’re in an ongoing cycle of short-term relief," says Dr. Espinoza. "Ask about treatment options and if you should be evaluated for type 2 inflammation. Be persistent."
The right treatment plan will not only help you breathe better and quell that cough, but also offer peace of mind.
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Related: If You're Living With Asthma, Here's Every Single Treatment Option Available to You
Sources
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, pulmonologist and Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health
Dr. Andrea Espinoza, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist, clinical assistant professor of medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center
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