SILENT ASTHMA

Wheezing and coughing are the hallmarks of asthma symptoms, but sometimes these audible symptoms aren’t present during an asthma flare-up. Other symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, and distress may still occur, but without wheezing and coughing. Asthma without audible symptoms is sometimes referred to as “silent asthma.” Silent asthma can make asthma more difficult to diagnose, especially since asthma symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity of the flare-up. And not all asthma patients experience the same suite of symptoms and may not have wheezing and coughing with every incidence of asthma. If you have difficulty breathing but lack wheezing and coughing, especially after a common asthma trigger, you may be experiencing silent asthma.

P.S. If asthma presents without wheezing or coughing and you previously experienced these symptoms, or these symptoms are lacking after a prolonged asthma attack, you may be experiencing a life-threatening condition called silent chest. 

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