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Home > I Know Someone With Asthma > Know the Symptoms & Warning Signs

Know the Symptoms & Warning Signs


Common symptoms of asthma may include:
  • cough
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness
Even people who know they have asthma might not always be aware of what they can expect in terms of control—or know how to tell that asthma is not being adequately managed. You can help by learning the warning signs of poor asthma control.

Asthma warning signs
According to treatment guidelines, warning signs of poor asthma control include:
  • Waking at night with symptoms
  • Emergency room visits, hospitalizations or need for other urgent care
  • Using an albuterol inhaler more than twice a week
  • Missing school or work because of asthma
  • Being unable to maintain normal activity levels
You might not always be aware of whether your friends or loved ones who have asthma experience any of these things, so be sure to encourage them to take the Asthma Control Test™ so they can help determine whether their asthma is properly controlled.

Recognizing the symptoms of asthma—and the warning signs of poor asthma control—are two important first steps in helping your family member or friend to get control of his/her asthma and get on with life!


>> Learn more about asthma from our supporting organizations


Asthma Action America® is a national asthma education program supported by the GlaxoSmithKline Respiratory Institute. GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical company and a world leader in respiratory care. Asthma Action America® is a trademark of The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.

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