Asthma what does it feel like

And while asthma is by far the most common cause of a chronic, persistent cough, other culprits can include postnasal drip, sleep apnea, gastric reflux, and COPD , says Dr. Your doctor will probably start your examination by delving into your past medical history and asking whether any of your relatives have allergies or asthma. You'll also be asked to describe your symptoms, their severity, and what, if anything, is triggering them.

Next, your doctor will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope and may order one or more of these diagnostic tests:. Page last reviewed: 19 April Next review due: 19 April Some people with severe asthma may have breathing problems most of the time.

The shortness of breath and the coughing are the things that trouble me most. As soon as you lie down it starts you off coughing so you have to sit up. People talk about asthma attack which sounds like something sudden and violent. Which is frightening. And also the mouth as well. When Christine has an asthma attack she says it can feel like very hard work as you struggle with each breath. I was very, very thin.

I was very thin. Can you describe what it feels like having an asthma attack? Well, obviously, yes, I mean, there's I would say two or three different things. But that not being able to breathe is absolutely panic making.

And you don't know whether things are going to open up again and you will be able to breathe or whether you will suffocate or your heart will stop. Back to Asthma. Asthma attacks kill 3 people in the UK each day. But many of these deaths could be avoided. Find out what your risk of having an attack is using Asthma UK's asthma attack risk checker.

If you're on the right asthma treatment , your chance of having an attack is greatly reduced. Visit a doctor or asthma nurse at least once a year for a check-up and to discuss your treatment. The symptoms will not necessarily occur suddenly. In fact, they often come on slowly over a few hours or days.