how to know if i have asthma or just a nomal cold?

Question

How can having asthma make you more susceptible to colds?

Answer 1

Time of onset: If your symtpoms came on after a 'cold' viral illness then possible still reactive/spastic airways. If symtpoms are worse or not getting better you need to see your doctor. Also this depends on your history of exposure like work/industrial/dust and tobacco. All that wheezes is not always asthma. Cardiac issues can also be causing lung issues.

Answer 2

Variable symptoms.: Classically asthma patients complain of chest tightness, like someone is sitting on their chest. It can feel like you are not "getting air to the bottom of you lungs" or I have even heard that their chest feels "itchy". I will occasionally have non-asthmatics breathe in and out of a coffee stirrer and then have them do jumping jacks, to simulate trying to breathe through a constricted airway.

Answer 3

Lack of air: People with asthma symptoms typically feel some version of a "lack of air". This can include feeling chest tightness, like something wrapped around your chest; chest pressure, like someone sitting on your chest; wheezing, like a squeak or whistle noise from your chest, or generally "shortness-of-breath" where you feel out of breath like you just exercised (when you did not).

Answer 4

Acute...: Asthma is a disease characterized by acute episodes of bronchospasm and airway inflammation. Most asthmatics experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing during an acute episode but can be symptom-free between episodes. If you think you are having an asthma episode, see a doctor for evaluation to confirm the disease. There are effective treatments.

Answer 5

Absolutely: Just like asthmatics can be olympic sprinters or swimmers, or anything else they want to be. The key is asthma control, not whether you have asthma or not. If a person's asthma is under excellent control, under the supervision of an allergist, then there should be nothing you can't do!

Answer 6

Bad idea: While it is a noble calling, you will be exposed to dense smoke, intensely hot dry air, dust, and ashes all of which can trigger your asthma and may lead to a life threatening attack. Since others are relying on you to be both a rescuer and a part of the team, getting taken out in the middle of action might make you a liability. Police work, medicine, etc are all still available...

Answer 7

Yes: You may have to make some concessions to asthma like not smoking, taking medications to control asthma, taking medication before exercise to prevent bronchospasm, and even finding a new home for your cat. That still fall into my definition of "normal life".

Answer 8

Yes...: There are effective asthma treatments and most patients are symptom-free between exacerbations and there are often long periods of time between exacerbations. There are many athletes, even professional and olympic-level, who have asthma. So you can live a normal life with asthma!

Answer 9

Yes.: In fact, many people with asthma do better in desert climates.

Answer 10

Probably....: You should see your doctor before you go to insure that your asthma is as controlled as possible. You will need enough of your meds to last you through the trip and you need to know what to do should an exacerbation occur. Then, have a great time!

Answer 11

Depends: If you control your asthma you will pass.

Answer 12

Depends: It depends on what it is for. The military and diving companies would fail you, but not anyone else i'm aware of.

Answer 13

Probably...: Most asthmatics have no signs or symptoms between episodes. So, unless you are having an acute exacerbation at the time of the evaluation, you should pass the health check.

how to know if i have asthma or just a nomal cold?

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