Expert: Bailey - 12/5/2006

Question
Since I was young, I have had a small case of asthma.  It was really nothing.  However, since I started smoking, it has gotten worse.  Actually, I'm not even sure it's asthma because there is no wheezing but a lot of tighting.  

What I want to know is why is it worse in the morning?  What causes it to be so much worse in the morning and better throughout the day?  

Answer
Emad,
 Wheezing is only a symptom of asthma. Many asthmatics don't wheeze. Asthma is worse in the morning because the bronchial tubes narrow slightly at night. This happens to everyone but for people with asthma, this can dramatically increase symptoms. It is also a sign of poorly controlled asthma, which is a potentially dangerous situation. I would recommend that you visit your doctor and discuss possible treatment options if you haven't already.
-Bailey