Asthma Symptoms: Sighing and trouble sleeping are among the unusual signs highlighted by experts

Asthma affects around 5.4million Britons and experts have now highlighted some of the more ‘unusual’ symptoms which don’t initially appear to be signs of the condition

Asthma is a common lung disease that affects the airways and occasionally causes breathing problems, and affects around 5.4 million Britons in the UK. While many are aware of the main symptoms of asthma, which typically include wheezing and shortness of breath, some remain under the radar.

The WebMB experts revealed: “Not every asthmatic has the usual symptoms of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Sometimes people have unusual asthma symptoms that don’t appear to be related to asthma.”

Anxiety and trouble sleeping are listed as some of the most unusual asthma symptoms to look out for.

Unusual symptoms of asthma to look out for

Experts have highlighted some of the condition’s “most unusual” symptoms to look out for, including:

• Rapid breathing
• sigh
• fatigue
• Inability to exercise property (termed exercise-induced asthma)
• Trouble sleeping or nocturnal asthma
• fear
• Chronic cough without wheezing

It is important to note that these symptoms are not always the result of asthma.

WebMD explained, “Asthma symptoms can be mimicked by other conditions such as bronchitis, vocal cord dysfunction and even heart failure.”

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Common asthma symptoms

If you are concerned that you may have a lesser-known symptom of asthma, you should also check if you are experiencing common symptoms of the condition.

According to the NHS: “The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing (a wheezing sound when you breathe), shortness of breath, a tight chest – it can feel like a band is tightening around it, and coughing.”

These symptoms are more likely to be asthmatic if they worsen at night or early in the morning, or if they occur frequently and recurrently.

Asthma can also be triggered by exercise and allergies.

An asthma attack occurs when the condition worsens for a short period of time. These may include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath when eating, talking, or sleeping, or breathing faster.

In severe cases, a person may experience a rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion or dizziness, and blue lips or fingers.

What to do if you think you have asthma

If you are concerned that you or your child may have asthma, it is best to see your GP.

Your GP is likely to ask a variety of questions, including comments about family histories or allergies.

They may suggest doing some tests to confirm whether or not you have asthma.

According to the NHS: “A GP will likely be able to diagnose it but they can refer you to a specialist if they are unsure.”