Asthma, commonly called “dam” in Gujarati, is a long-term condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow. Many people live with asthma symptoms for years without knowing it, treating it as a “seasonal cough” or “weak chest”. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains how to recognise the symptoms of asthma early.

Common symptoms of asthma:

• Breathlessness, especially on exertion, at night or early morning
• Wheezing, a whistling sound while breathing out
• Chest tightness, a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest
• Cough, often dry, worse at night or early morning, after exercise, or on exposure to cold air, dust or smoke

Clues that point to asthma. Symptoms that come and go, that are worse at night or early morning, that are triggered by dust, smoke, pollen, cold air, strong smells, exercise or a cold, and that occur with a personal or family history of allergy, sneezing or eczema strongly suggest asthma.

Cough-variant asthma. In some people, the only symptom is a long-lasting dry cough, especially at night, without obvious breathlessness or wheezing. This is often missed and treated repeatedly with cough syrups and antibiotics.

Asthma symptoms in children. Children may have repeated coughing at night, wheezing with every cold, getting tired or breathless while playing, frequent chest infections, or noisy breathing. Children who have “cold settling on the chest” again and again should be evaluated.

Asthma or COPD? Both cause breathlessness and are often called “dam”. Asthma usually starts at a younger age, is linked with allergy, and symptoms vary, with good days and bad days. COPD usually begins after 40 in smokers or people exposed to chulha smoke or dust, with breathlessness that slowly and steadily worsens. The difference matters because treatment is different. A lung function test (spirometry) helps confirm which one it is.

Warning signs of a severe attack: breathlessness so severe that speaking is difficult, bluish lips or nails, very fast breathing, drowsiness, or no relief from the reliever inhaler. Seek emergency care immediately.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com