Asthma attack?

OK this question is about asthma.  I had an asthma attack last night continuing on til this morning with chest tightening, wheezing and shortness of breath.  I went to my local doctor today and was nebulised. However this evening I am again having slight shortness of breath with chest tightness/pain and a faint feeling. My hands are also shaking however I'm not wheezing at all. Am I having another asthma attack or about to have one? Is there anything I should look out for as I'm home alone and don't really think I should go to sleep in case I AM having one. I've never experienced an asthma attack without wheezing before so I don't know if it's even possible. What should I do?

[bsmsl]

I hope you have seen a doctor again by now.  

It is possible to experience an asthma attack without wheezing.  Did the doctor give you any medications to get you over the attack besides the breathing treatment?  Most doctors would prescribe a combination med like Advair, Symbicort or Dulera and give directions to use a rescue inhaler regularly for a few days after that kind of an attack.

Asthma has many mimics.  One of the big ones is a panic attack.  A lot of asthmatics are not treated properly in an ER because it is perceived that they are having a panic attack and not an asthma attack.  It is natural to panic when you can't breathe.  Breathing is just a tad bit necessary, so when you can't breathe it is very scary.  I always try to evaluate if my breathing problems are real or if I am panicking a little.  In your case, the shaking hands would not be a typical symptom of an asthma attack and might indicate a little bit of panic.  Next time, see what happens if you try to take a few relaxing deep breaths.  It just takes a few seconds to employ this technique.  That helps me discern what is going on and if I need to take action or let it pass.  A lot of the time, I will try breathing exercises as I get my rescue inhaler out to calm myself and buy a little time.  

I hope that helps.