Wheezing is often thought as the key sign of asthma but we often tend to ignore other symptoms that might signal an asthma attack. Symptoms of asthma are not very consistent and can be different for different people.

Dry hacking cough or tightness in the chest, fatigue, and difficulty in sleeping can all be signs of asthma. An attack can occur anytime of the day, so what you need is a solid asthma action plan to deal with the problem. It is a good idea to maintain an asthma diary so that you can deal with it more effectively:

1.Figure out your triggers. Episodes of asthma can be triggered by many different factors such as allergens, dust, smoke, cold air, exercise, infections, medications, and acid reflux. So keep a note of what brings it on for you.

2.Plan out ways to avoid the triggers and chalk out alternates.

3.Make note of time and conditions when your asthma peaks.

4.Create a list of symptoms that mark your type of asthma - be it wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest etc.

5.Keep a box with the dose of the daily asthma medication that needs to be taken even when you don't have asthma symptoms, and dose of the quick-acting or rescue medication that needs to be taken when you develop sudden asthma symptoms.

6.Instruction note on important numbers of your doctor, whom to call if the doctor is unavailable, and a list of where to get emergency asthma treatment.