What is the difference between Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis?
May 29th, 2010 by admin
They recently diagnosed me with asthma and have me on two types of inhalers.
I really think it’s Chronic Bronchitis.
What symptoms distinguish these two ailments from each other?
I’m 42 and lived with a smoker for 25 years.
Chronic bronchitis is usually found only in heavy smokers. Asthma usually presents itself at a very young age while the other one presents in the 50+ age group. Chronic bronchitis is also associated with a lot of sputum production when compared to asthma. Asthma can also be due to some medication, food, pollen or dust to which you are allergic to.
Posted in asthma
May 30th, 2010 at 4:10 am
Chronic bronchitis is usually found only in heavy smokers. Asthma usually presents itself at a very young age while the other one presents in the 50+ age group. Chronic bronchitis is also associated with a lot of sputum production when compared to asthma. Asthma can also be due to some medication, food, pollen or dust to which you are allergic to.
References :
May 30th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Asthma is episodic and reversible. A pulmonary function test should be able to tell the difference. You will have to do a bronchodilator (inhaler) test during the PFT. A methacholine challenge test would help in the diagnosis.
That said, living with a smoker can cause chronic bronchitis.
References :