Heredity, including allergies and certain occupational causes of asthma are also important and will be discussed at a later date. The severity of asthma may vary with season, climate, temperature and infection. There are usually symptom-free periods between attacks. The symptoms may eventually become more persistent. This is often described as a high-pitched musical sound.
Patients describe a sensation of 'tightness' in the chest or an inability to catch their breath.
This can occasionally be the only symptom of asthma. Diagnostic Tests Physical exam, chest x-rays, and breathing are usually normal during symptom free periods. Routine lung function tests may be normal in between episodes of asthma. If asthma is suspected, your physician may order special testing. An important pulmonary test which you can administer to yourself is called the Peak Flow.