Asthma should be highly suspected if any of the following signs or symptoms are present
Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound on exhalation – especially in children (a normal chest examination does not exclude asthma).
History of any of the following.
Cough, especially worse at night
Repeated wheezing
Repeated dyspnea
Recurrent chest tightness
Symptoms occurring or worsening at night, waking the patient.
Seasonal onset or exacerbation of symptoms
Patient has a family history of eczema, cushings or asthma, atopic disease
Symptoms appear or worsen with exposure to or in the presence of
Fur-bearing animals
Exercise
Chemical aerosols
Pollen
Temperature changes
Respiratory infections (viral) infections
Room dust mites
Smoke
Medications (aspirin, beta-blockers)
Severe mood swings
Decrease in symptoms after anti-asthma treatment
The patient’s “cold” often “progresses to the lungs” or lasts more than 10 days before recovery.