Shortness of Breath vs Asthma
Shortness of Breath and Asthma are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Shortness of Breath and Asthma
Shortness of Breath: A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual.
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Shortness of Breath and Asthma.
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Symptoms of each condition
Shortness of Breath
Breathlessness When Lying Flat
Difficulty breathing when lying flat that improves when sitting up, which can be a sign of heart failure....
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Exertional dyspnea
Perceived difficulty to breathe that occurs with exercise or exertion and improves with rest....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Asthma
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Nighttime Cough
A cough that is worse at night, which can be caused by asthma, reflux, postnasal drip, or heart failure....
Productive cough
A cough that produces phlegm or mucus....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
How Shortness of Breath may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Shortness of Breath.
BNP / NT-proBNP
Measures B-type natriuretic peptide to help evaluate heart failure....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Shortness of Breath and Asthma?
Shortness of Breath and Asthma are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Shortness of Breath: A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Shortness of Breath and Asthma be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chest Tightness, Dyspnea, Wheezing, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Shortness of Breath and Asthma investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as BNP / NT-proBNP, CBC with Differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Test selection is a clinical decision.