What are common historical features of asthma?

Common historical features of asthma include sudden cough and chest tightness. Asthma is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which leads to difficulty in breathing, and these symptoms are hallmark indicators of an asthma exacerbation. A sudden cough often occurs as a result of airway irritation or obstruction, while chest tightness reflects the constricted airways and can lead to a feeling of pressure in the chest area.

In contrast, other options may relate more to allergic responses or respiratory infections but do not capture the primary symptoms specific to asthma. Symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose are more typically associated with allergic rhinitis; sneezing and throat irritation can indicate upper respiratory tract issues; and headaches and dizziness are not specific to asthma and can arise from a variety of unrelated conditions. Thus, the presence of a sudden cough and chest tightness is specifically linked to asthma and helps differentiate it from other respiratory or allergic conditions.