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Non-wheezing Asthma

Dear Dr. Kagen,

I have often been told when I see my doctor with trouble breathing that they do not hear any wheezing. It makes me feel as if they are questioning whether or not I truly have asthma. I experience the tightened chest, coughing, and difficulty breathing after exercising, or stressful times.

I also experience an "itchy chin" when I am having problems with my asthma. I was just wondering if it is possible to have asthma without hearing the typical wheezing?

Thank you,

Melissa M.

Dear Melissa,

Thanks for asking about asthma without wheezing.

It is very common for patients with asthma to have "silent" symptoms. Many asthma sufferers have never experienced wheezing at all. They have a sensation of a tight chest and shortness of breath especially with inhaling cool, dry air and when exercising.

Itching under the chin often occurs in allergy patients when they are having an allergic reaction to something they have either eaten or inhaled.

It is important to know exactly what is causing your allergy and asthma symptoms. With an accurate diagnosis, you may be able to control and prevent these symptoms of asthma and allergy.

An Allergy and Asthma Specialist can help to identify the causes of your symptoms by performing diagnostic allergy skin tests or allergy blood tests. Ask your doctor who he/she recommends that you see in your area.

Good luck.

Steve Kagen, M.D.
Allernet.com