Asthma has several symptoms, difficulty in breathing being the obvious one. Now, there can be many other causes for breathing problems. If a person does not exercise often, then any exertion can lead to shortness of breath. Weight can also play a big factor in causing breathlessness. But very often the underlying cause of breathing problems is asthma.

Increased nighttime coughing is also one of the symptoms of asthma. If sleep is interrupted due to this coughing, it may very well be asthma causing it. If the cough is persistent and does not respond to medication, then asthma might be the culprit.

Wheezing and coughing during or after physical activity may also be indicative of asthma. Wheezing indicates blockage of the airways in the lungs, which may be because of inflammation of the bronchioles due to asthma.

Asthma also indicates other symptoms. An unexplained tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, tiredness – these can all be explained by asthma. Some people may go a long time without having any of these symptoms appear, others have them every day.

If a patient suspects asthma, and especially if he has a family history of asthma, he or she should go to their doctor immediately. Caught and managed early, asthma can be much reduced.