Medipedia

“Why am I always tired, struggling to sleep, or short of breath even after light exercise?”

If you’ve been brushing off these signs as stress or lack of fitness, it might be time to look a little deeper. Asthma doesn’t always present itself with the textbook symptoms like wheezing or chest tightness. In fact, some people experience what are known as unusual asthma symptoms—and recognising these early could help you or someone you care about avoid serious flare-ups.

In this article, let’s learn more with Dr. Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa, our Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, about the lesser-known signs of asthma and why early attention matters.

Sleep Difficulties

Asthma symptoms can worsen at night, even if you don’t feel them during the day. If you find it difficult to fall asleep or often wake up coughing or gasping for air, this might be a sign of nocturnal asthma. The airways naturally narrow during sleep, and for people with asthma, this can become a real challenge. Environmental triggers like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander in the bedroom can also contribute.

A Constant, Dry Cough

Not all asthma is loud. Some people experience cough-variant asthma, which shows up as a persistent, dry cough that doesn’t produce mucus. This cough may be your only symptom, which makes it easy to miss. If you’ve had a cough that lingers and doesn’t respond to usual treatment, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

Daytime Fatigue

Sleep disturbances due to asthma can lead to daytime fatigue. But even without nighttime symptoms, your body might be working harder to get enough oxygen through inflamed airways, leaving you tired or sluggish during the day.

Rapid Breathing or Sighing

You might notice yourself sighing more than usual, or breathing quickly without obvious reason. While often linked to anxiety, these could also be subtle signs of asthma. This kind of breathing is your body’s way of compensating when airways are partially blocked or inflamed.

Difficulty with Exercise

Well-controlled asthma shouldn’t limit your ability to stay active. But if you regularly experience coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness during or after workouts, this could be exercise-induced asthma. Cold air, pollution, or intense cardio can all trigger these symptoms. Using a reliever inhaler too frequently when exercising may also suggest your treatment plan needs adjustment.

Itchy Face or Throat

If you notice itchy skin, an itchy throat, or general irritation along with asthma symptoms, you might have allergic asthma. This type of asthma is triggered by allergens such as pollen, mould, pet dander, or certain foods. It’s not the itchiness itself that’s asthma—but it signals that allergens are present and may be affecting your breathing.

Anxiety and Mood Changes

Asthma affects more than just your lungs. Difficulty breathing can increase anxiety, and chronic worry about symptoms can lead to mood disturbances. This is especially common in people who frequently experience unpredictable flare-ups. While anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms, asthma can also trigger anxiety—creating a frustrating cycle.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these unusual symptoms, especially if they recur or affect your quality of life, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. Asthma is a manageable condition, but it requires the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Unusual symptoms can be early warning signs that your current treatment isn’t working as it should.

If you or your child is experiencing these signs, don’t wait. Our specialists at the Respiratory & Lung Services and Paediatric Care Team are here to support early diagnosis and tailored asthma management.

Learn more or consult with a respiratory specialist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity to ensure your symptoms don’t go unnoticed.

Your health and comfort matter—even the less obvious signs shouldn’t be ignored.