CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
Is asthma an example of upper respiratory infection?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Anatoly Belilovskyanswered
Pediatrics 36 years experience
No.: Asthma is a disease of the lower respiratory tract - the bronchi. It is also, usually, not an infection, but can be triggered by one.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
Pediatric Pulmonology 23 years experience
No: Asthma is not an example of any infection, upper or lower respiratory. And asthma exacerbation can be triggered by a respiratory infection, but asthma is not an infection.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
No...: Although the symptoms may be similar, asthma is due to recurrent episodes of bronchospasm and airway inflammation. Upper respiratory infections can trigger asthma exacerbations in susceptible patients.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
Campbell, CA
A 45-year-old female asked:
How do I best control my asthma when I get an upper respiratory infection?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Thomas Josaanswered
Allergy and Immunology 40 years experience
Corticosteroid: This is somewhat controversial but:
Start taking or increase your inhaled corticosteroid to a high dose AT THE FIRST SIGN of a cold before it gets to the chest is your best chance of mitigating an attack. If you wait it may be too late.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 28, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
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.