Around 200 to 250 million people are affected worldwide and nearly 250,000 people die per year from asthma. In Asia the rate of asthma is lower when compared to the United States. Asthma is more common in developed countries than developing countries.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. Young children who often wheeze and have respiratory infections are at highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age.
Symptoms include the following:
- Wheezing: There is a scratchy or whistling sound when you breathe
- Coughing: Coughing is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep
- Chest tightness or pain: You feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest
- Shortness of breath: This may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs
Children may also exhibit the following:
- Fatigue (your child may slow down or stop playing)
- Problems feeding or grunting during feeding (infants)
- Avoiding sports or social activities
- Problems sleeping due to coughing or difficulty in breathing
Pay attention to when the symptoms are occurring, so you can inform the doctor:
- At night or early morning
- During or after exercise
- During certain seasons
- After laughing or crying
- When exposed to common asthma triggers
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