Do You Have Asthma?

Asthma is common -- it affects over 17 million people in the United States, including over 5 million children. Without proper treatment, a person with asthma may miss work, limit their exercise, or even need emergency treatment or hospitalization. Fortunately, early detection, care, and treatment of asthma can help a person with asthma live a full, active life.

Answering true or false to the statements below may help you and your healthcare professional assess whether or not you have asthma.

• Sometimes I cough or have trouble breathing while completing daily activities.
• Sometimes I avoid exercising because I have problems breathing, or I start coughing.
• Sometimes I wake up at night because of coughing or shortness of breath.
• Sometimes, especially when it is cold or very hot outside, I avoid going out because I may have trouble breathing.
• I have missed work or school because of breathing problems.
• Sometimes I feel short of breath.
• Sometimes my chest feels tight.
• Sometimes I hear myself wheezing (difficulty breathing accompanied by a whistling sound, especially when breathing out).
• Sometimes I have coughing spells.
• Dust, pollen, or pets make me cough, wheeze, or have trouble breathing.
• My breathing may be worse in very cold weather.
• Sometimes I have trouble breathing when it's very hot outside.
• My breathing gets worse when I'm around tobacco smoke, fumes, or strong odors.
• When I catch a cold, it often goes to my chest and I have trouble breathing.