5 Signs Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs that is characterized by the narrowing of the airways that makes it harder to breathe. Asthma has no cure but medications can help to manage and control asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightening, and breathlessness. These symptoms can get worse due to various reasons - it could be asthma medications not being effective or a trigger. It’s important to know how to control asthma and keep a check on your symptoms. When exposed to triggers, asthma flare-ups and even an asthma attack can happen as the symptoms worsen further.

Mentioned below are five signs that indicate the worsening of one's asthma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advised that you seek out medical attention immediately.

1. You’re having increased difficulty in breathing

When exposed to triggers, the airways become inflamed and less air is inhaled into the lungs. If you experience shortness of breath more often in your day-to-day normal activities despite carrying out your treatment as prescribed, it could be an indicator of the worsening of asthma symptoms.

2. Your chest feels tight and it’s hard to talk

Minor chest tightening is common for asthmatics, but if you experience this more often, it can mean that your asthma is getting worse. The heavy feeling on the chest is caused due to the narrowing of the bronchial tubes, as the muscles surrounding the airways respond to the various asthmatic triggers present in the environment. If you face difficulty in speaking and cannot complete a full sentence without having to pause for breath, then you should immediately get in contact with your doctor as this is a sign that the lungs aren't receiving enough oxygen and it can have serious effects.

3. Your peak flow meter readings have dropped

The peak flow meter is a handheld device that is used at home to measure lung functionality or to put it simply, how well you’re breathing. This is a device that can be used to manage the condition at home and can even tell you if your condition is getting worse even before your asthma symptoms worsen. If you notice a steady drop in your peak flow reading, it is indicative of their worsening lung functionality. A major sign of the worsening of one's asthma is the large variation in the day-to-day reading or a reading that is lower than 60% of the individual's personal best.

4. You’re having trouble sleeping due to coughs

Experience of intense coughing and wheezing is a sign of poorly managed asthma. While everyone is prone to a few coughs during the nights, if you find your sleep is disrupted due to intense coughing or wheezing fit, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.

5. You’re using your rescue inhaler more often

When you experience asthma flare-ups, it is recommended that you use a rescue inhaler or quick-relief asthma medication. Frequent use of the rescue asthma inhaler is a sign that asthma is worsening. This means asthma symptoms aren’t in control and medical attention is needed. One of the reasons this happens is when controller asthma medication isn’t working properly and needs to be changed, either in dosage or type.

Keeping your asthma in control requires sticking to your asthma medication and using your inhaler as prescribed. This reduces the likelihood of your asthma symptoms getting worse. In addition to this, it is also recommended that you have an asthma action plan so you know what can be done in case your asthma worsens.

References:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/peak-flow-meter/about/pac-20394858

https://ginasthma.org/gina-reports/

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