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Asthma Q & A

Got a question about asthma? Ask a healthcare pro.

Have a question about asthma? Email us and a healthcare professional will try to answer. With your permission, we may post the question and answer on our site (without names). Or, call the Asthma Action Helpline at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864)

Question & Answer

Q: My doctor told me I have asthma, but I don't wheeze and I've never had an asthma attack. What's up?

A: Many people with asthma only have a cough or breathing problems when they run. Even if you don’t wheeze or have asthma attacks, you'll still need to stay away from your asthma triggers and use your daily controller medicines. Well-controlled asthma means no asthma attacks and only occasional asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Many people think they don’t need to worry about their asthma or take any medicines. But uncontrolled asthma is unhealthy for your lungs. If you leave your asthma uncontrolled for a long time, the resulting long-term inflammation in your lungs can cause permanent damage.

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