Or, coughing or wheezing may occur only with exercise. Some people think they have recurrent bronchitis, since respiratory infections usually settle in the chest in a person predisposed to asthma. Diagnosing asthma and distinguishing it from other lung disorders depends on a combination of a medical history, a thorough physical examination, and certain laboratory tests. Usually, certain signs occur hours or days before audible wheezing or before an episode is fully in progress. These early signs vary a great deal among individuals.
Some people have an itchy chin or throat or a dry mouth.
Others may feel very tired or grouchy. Becoming aware of these signals helps patients use self-management techniques as soon as possible. This early action may ward off a severe episode. An asthma episode feels somewhat like taking deep breaths of very cold air on a winter day. Breathing becomes harder and may hurt, and there may be coughing.