The better one can adjust to it, the better one can become at preventing or minimizing his or her breathing problems. At one time, many people believed asthma was caused by psychological or emotional problems. Today we know this is untrue, and that asthma is a physiological disease. In some people, however, strong emotions or anxiety can trigger asthma episodes. Because its symptoms can resemble those of other respiratory problems such as emphysema, bronchitis, and respiratory infections asthma often goes undiagnosed.
Many people live with the disease for years without knowing they have it.
They only know they have a chronic cough, often at night, or that they have difficulty breathing in cold air, especially while working or exercising. Some think they have chronic bronchitis. The disease has various symptoms, which different asthma patients describe in various ways. The effort required to breathe becomes progressively greater, and the act of breathing may become painful. The patient may cough and wheeze, producing a gasping or whistling sound.