Is it Asthma or Something Else?

 Most know the basics signs and symptoms of asthma: 

• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Shortness of breathe
• Chest tightness

But there are many diseases that can have the same symptoms, but "mimic" asthma. I'll list a few of the most common here, so buckle up!  

Asthma mimickers 

Alpha-1 - the full name is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and it's a genetic disease that can damage the liver and/or lungs. This happens when your body lacks a protein in the blood alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) made by the liver. 

This protein protects the lungs from swelling. But it can build up in the liver and cause liver disease.

Bronchiectasis  - this chronic lung disease causes the airways to swell, widened, and sometimes scar. The mucus that normally helps your body get rid of dust germs and other tiny particles you inhale is too thick - which means it's hard to clear out by coughing. That thick mucus can grow bacteria, which leads to more swelling and damage. 

COPD - unlike asthma, which is a reversible disease, the airways in COPD are permanently damaged, swollen and irritated. The swelling limits how much air can move in and out of the airways (which means they are obstructed). 

COPD can be caused by being exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, air pollution, smoke, or Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. It's important to not blame someone for causing their COPD because some people with COPD have never smoked 

Cystic Fibrosis - this is inherited in families and can damage the digestive system and lungs. Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the the cells that make digestive juices, sweat, and mucus. The secretions (fluids) become thick and sticky and can plug the pancreas and lungs. 

Lung cancer - lung cancer doesn't cause symptoms early on, so many people may have advanced lung cancer when it's finally discovered. 

Smoking causes most lung cancers - but other causes are radon gas (a colorless, odorless gas that can sneak into homes), radiation therapy, exposure to second hand smoke, exposure to chromium, nickel, arsenic, or asbestos.  

Viral infections - infections like COVID, flu, RSV or rhinovirus can mimic asthma as many of the symptoms are the same. However, those viral infections can also CAUSE an asthma attack. So it's best to talk to your doctor about your symptoms 

And remember the basics like washing your hands and covering your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze.  

Vocal Cord Dysfunction - your vocal cord muscles can tighten, making it hard to breathe. With asthma, the airways tighten, making it hard to breathe. And just to really confuse people, you can have asthma AND vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). 

I have both but can tell the difference. When I am talking for a long time (giving a webinar or training), I will start to have asthma symptoms - but I feel them in my throat. With asthma, I feel the symptoms in my chest. If you are diagnosed with VCD, a speech therapist can help you with exercises to help VCD. They really help (for me anyway)

Are you still reading? Go get yourself a treat! Most people probably tuned out after reading the first bullet point. If you made it this far, treat yourself with your favorite dessert!

Talk to your doctor  

Since many of these mimic asthma, it can be hard to tell the difference. Your doctor would be the best source to help you figure it out. 

Asthma is treatable, but if it's something more serious (like lung cancer) you are definitely going to need different medicine and treatment!

Have you been diagnosed with asthma, only to find out if was something else?

In our case, we were told my son's symptoms were from a virus - until he was hospitalized with asthma. 

Lungs are tricky! Talk to your doctor if your lungs are being cranky 

Hugs, 

Andrea