Is Allergic Bronchitis Considered Asthma? Your Symptoms

Is bronchial allergy considered asthma?

I have been coughing for almost two months, often experiencing a scratchy throat and cough, and recently I've also had difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath.
I went to the hospital for pulmonary function tests and a bronchial provocation test, but the doctors said it wasn't severe enough to be classified as asthma.
During the bronchial provocation test, I kept coughing, and around the eighth test, I started to feel chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and mild wheezing.
After taking a couple of puffs from a bronchodilator, I returned to normal.
The doctor said I have bronchial hypersensitivity, but I don't understand why I need asthma medication for bronchial hypersensitivity.
The doctor wanted to prescribe inhaled corticosteroids, but I feel that I shouldn't need such a high dosage, so I only took a rescue inhaler for emergencies.
Does this mean I have asthma? When I asked the doctor, he said that needing to use these two inhalers indicates asthma, but he also said I only have allergies, so I'm a bit confused about whether I have asthma or just allergies.
Could you please help clarify this for me? Thank you!

Anny, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/09/25

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

Hello, excessive airway responsiveness is commonly seen in patients with asthma, but other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also present with excessive airway responsiveness.
However, airway obstruction caused by asthma is often reversible, while the airway obstruction in COPD is only partially reversible.
It is possible that your pulmonary function tests did not meet the criteria for asthma, yet you still exhibit excessive airway responsiveness.
Additionally, when inhaled corticosteroids are used correctly, their safety profile is very good.
Thank you for your question.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chou Tzu-Kuang, Director of Pulmonary Function.

Reply Date: 2012/09/25

More Info

Allergic bronchitis and asthma are closely related conditions, but they are not exactly the same. Allergic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes due to an allergic reaction, which can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that involves the airways becoming inflamed and narrowed, leading to similar symptoms but often with a more severe and persistent nature.

In your case, the symptoms you describe—persistent cough for two months, throat itching, and difficulty breathing—are indeed concerning. The fact that you have undergone pulmonary function tests and bronchial provocation tests is a good step in understanding your condition. The results indicating that you do not yet meet the criteria for asthma, despite experiencing significant symptoms, suggest that you may be dealing with a reactive airway condition, which can be triggered by allergens or irritants.

The use of asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, in your treatment plan is not uncommon. These medications can help alleviate inflammation and open up the airways, providing relief from symptoms. Even if your doctor has classified your condition as bronchial hyperreactivity or allergic bronchitis, the underlying mechanisms can overlap significantly with asthma. This is why you might find yourself using medications typically prescribed for asthma, even if your diagnosis is not strictly asthma.

The distinction between allergic bronchitis and asthma can sometimes be blurred, especially in cases where symptoms are severe or persistent. Your doctor’s suggestion that you may need to use inhaled corticosteroids indicates that they are concerned about the level of inflammation in your airways. Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in reducing airway inflammation and preventing exacerbations, which can be beneficial even if you do not have a formal diagnosis of asthma.

It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding medication dosages and the severity of your condition. If you feel that the prescribed treatment is too aggressive, you should discuss this with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan based on your symptoms and response to medications.

In summary, while allergic bronchitis and asthma are related, they are not the same. Your symptoms and the need for asthma medications suggest that you are experiencing significant airway reactivity, which may warrant a more thorough evaluation and possibly a reevaluation of your diagnosis. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms effectively and to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate level of care. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further investigation may be necessary to rule out other underlying conditions and to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

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