In the United States, asthma affects an estimated 26 million people — many of whom may not be aware that they have it, especially if their symptoms aren’t severe.
The most common signs of asthma are:
Coughing, especially at night, during exercise or when laughing
Difficulty breathing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound in your chest when breathing, especially when exhaling)
Any asthma symptom is serious and can become deadly if left untreated. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, visit an allergist for a diagnosis — and then develop an asthma action plan.