U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 48-year-old member asked:

Whats the difference between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Andrew Murphy
Allergy and Immunology 31 years experience
Similar: Asthma is, in most cases, an allergic reaction caused by ige or the allergy antibody. Hypersensitivity pnemonitis is a different immune reaction caused by igg, usually. Both can make one short of breath but the reason for this symptom is different pathology.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. William Walsh
Addiction Medicine 19 years experience
What is effected: Asthma is a disease of chronic mid to small airway inflammation, sometimes caused by allergens but not always. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung tissue itself as the result of exposure to allergens (eg birds) , it usually resolves when the allergen is removed, although long term exposure can lead to scarring.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 34-year-old member asked:

What is the difference between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Ramirez
Allergy and Immunology 20 years experience
Very different: Hp is a hypersensitivity reaction usually to some organic material usually mold, but also food particles, bird droppings, pets, grains, etc. Asthma presents with mostly reversible airway obstruction due to exercise, allergens, infections. Both can present with sob, cough, wheezing, but hp can also have fever. Hp usually resolves or kept from turning into fibrosis, once removed from trigger.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 42-year-old member asked:

What is the difference between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma attacks?

2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hatem Asad
Pulmonology 36 years experience
Asthma attack: Asthma attack is an airway disease that involves the air passage thru the airways.Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(hp) involves the actual tissues of the lungs which are beyond the airways. Type of injury is differrent.Asthma attack is an acute reaction. While hp is slower mechanism, and presents with insidious progress.Asthma can also be a slow proccess, when it is poorly controlled.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Jan 4, 2013

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.