What is the difference between Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis?
Posted on Monday, August 10, 2009 in Respiratory Diseases
§♫♪‹(•¿•)›☼»-(¯`v´¯)-»\\ asked:
They recently diagnosed me with Asthma and have me on two types of inhalers.
I really think it’s Chronic Bronchitis.
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.
Sandra
Kelly
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.
Pauline
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.