My asthma attacks resemble a cold. I get a sore throat, stopped up, and nauceaous. Why could that be?

Question

Everything I've read on asthma neglects to mention these symptoms. Is there any particular reason why I always suffer from them?

Answer 1

possibly most of your asthma attacks are triggered by a cold virus.

Answer 2

I agree with the others. Your allergies could trigger your asthma symptoms. Everyone hears about wheezing and coughing as asthma symptoms, but it can show itself differently in all patients.
If you are concered you should take up this issue with your pulmonologist. Maybe you need an allergy medication along with your asthma medications. Singular is a great one for allergies and its even shown to be beneficial in asthma also.

Answer 3

That sounds like an allergic reaction. Think about what food you are eating, cleaning products used, places you are when it happens. I would be willing to bet that your asthma is being triggered by something in your environment you are allergic to. The website below might have some helpful info about your symptoms.

Answer 4

My oldest child use to have seasonal asthma. It start out as a sinus infection that drains into the chest and tightens. You will have all those symptoms.

Answer 5

You may have seasonal allergies in addition to your asthma. This could explain your symptoms. Discuss your concerns with a pulmonologist or allergist.

Answer 6

Health Issues caused by your environment

The health affects of mold are generally grouped in the following four categories. Numerous conditions including type and species of mold, exposure levels and methods, environmental conditions, individual sensitivities, etc. are all considered to be factors in the response.

Irritation
For some people, the "moldy odor" can be irritating to mucous membranes, cause headaches and other symptoms. This odor comes from volatile organic compounds (VOC's) produced by mold as it degrades organic substrates and is generally considered one of the primary causes of irritation.

Allergy
Allergic reactions are typically the most common health problem. Symptoms include respiratory problems and difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning/watery or reddened eyes, dry hacking cough, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, skin irritation, headaches, memory problems, mood changes, aches and pains, and possible fever.

Infection
There are an estimated 100 species of mold known to cause infections in humans and immune suppressed individuals are especially at risk. Infections can be localized or systemic. Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the U.S. Other fungi can infect hair, skin and nails.
Toxicosis
Many species of mold produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins which are believed to be most prevalent in spores (both living and dead spores). Mycotoxins are of special concern since some may present a greater hazard to humans than all other conditions including nerve damage, organ damage, and cancer. Symptoms of toxicosis from mold include cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, nosebleeds, memory problems, fatigue, dermatitis, immune suppression, etc.

Reported Symptoms
The following list represents some of the symptoms reported in literature relative to mold exposure. Other symptoms specific to infectious and/or toxic molds may be experienced.

Respiratory problems
Nasal & sinus congestion
Burning, watery or reddened eyes
Blurry vision or light sensitivity
Dry, hacking cough
Nose and throat irritation
Shortness of breath
Skin irritations
Headache
Memory problems
Mood changes
Aches & pains
Nosebleeds
Dermatitis
Immune suppression
Fatigue
Chills/fever

As with any health issue, numerous causative agents can elicit similar symptoms; therefore, the presence of such symptoms is not exclusive to mold exposure.