World Asthma Day 2025: Cough is one of the most common symptoms that people experience – whether it is cold, allergies, or throat just due to irritation. But what happens when that cough does not go away? Can it be more than just a passed infection? According to experts, it can be a sign of some more severe – something more severe like asthma.

“A cough is often rejected as something minor, but if it follows or follows a pattern, it can be the first sign of asthma,” Dr. Pratiba Dogra, Senior Advisor – pulmonary and sleep medicine at the pulmonary Asia Hospital, Gurugram.

Subtle symptoms of asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowness of the airways. One of the earliest signs – is often ignored – is a frequent, dry cough. Unlike a regular cough from a cold, cough related to asthma becomes more troublesome at night or morning.

“Many people think that they are working with a long cold or seasonal allergy,” Dr. Dogra explains. “But asthma cough often comes with wheezing – a whistle rings on breathing, especially when exhaling – and may become more intense at night or after physical activity.”

Tiger is a clue

One of the indications of the teletell is that your cough can exceed just one cold, it is its sensitivity to trigger. While a regular cough is usually solved in about a week and is not affected by the environment, the symptoms of asthma flare up in response to specific triggers such as dust, smoke, cold air, pet danders, or even laughter and exercise.

“If you notice that your or your child’s cough increases after coming in contact with some allergies or after playing or laughing, it is time to consider asthma as a possibility,” Dr. Dogra says.

Breath and chest tightness

Another important red flag is a feeling of shortness of breath or tightness in the chest. A basic cold -related cough will not make you feel that you cannot breathe. However, asthma can make you feel that you are gasping for the wind – especially after hard work or during the night.

“Chest tightness, often described as a squeeze sensation, is nothing that you will feel with a regular cough,” Dr. Dogra says. “This is a classic sign of inflammation of the airways caused by asthma.”

How long has a cough last?

Duration cases. If a cough sticks for more than two to three weeks, especially without producing mucus, then it is no longer a nuisance – it is a sign that something can be darker. “Cough related to asthma is dry and chronic,” Dr. Dogra says. “They remain and do not resolve like a specific viral infection.”

Diagnosis and next stage

If you suspect asthma, do not wait for it. Lung functions such as spirometry can help determine how well your lungs are working. For children, doctors often diagnose asthma based on symptoms and their response to asthma drugs.

“Initial diagnosis is important,” Dr. Shares Dogra. “Untreated asthma may deteriorate over time and give rise to serious breathing issues.”

While there is nothing to worry about a topical cough, one continuously one – especially if triggered by specific environmental factors or not ignored with shortness of breath. Early identifying these signs can lead to better symptoms control and a healthy life.

Dr. Advice Dogra, “Do not ignore the clues you are giving to your body.” “Early evaluation can cause all differences.”

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