SolveYourProblem Article Series: Asthma
Asthma Causes, Triggers & Treatments

What Are Other Diseases That Resemble Asthma?

In forming a diagnosis of asthma, a doctor or specialist will be concerned with eliminating the possibility of other diseases whose symptoms closely resemble that of asthma. This is vital because even though the symptoms may be very similar, the treatments that asthma sufferers require are different.

As well, if the symptoms are triggered by a sensitivity to a particular allergen, a simple solution may be in just avoiding the source - for example if it is pet dander - and this will eliminate the need for any medication. So even if tests indicate that someone has asthmatic tendencies a doctor may take the time to determine if it can be controlled by behavioral changes.

Emphysema is one disease with symptoms similar to asthma. It is a lung or pulmonary disease that is manifested by the loss of elasticity of the lung tissue and the deterioration of lung capillaries. It may be caused by long term tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoke and/or exposure to toxic chemicals. Because of the overall deterioration of lung tissue and cell structure the air becomes trapped in the lungs and cannot be expelled properly. Exertion will result in shortness of breath leading to hyperventilation. The chest will appear expanded.

Bronchitis can seem very similar to asthma as well, in that it will affect a sufferer's ability to breathe adequately. It is also an inflammation of the bronchi wherein the lining of the larger bronchial tubes after becoming inflamed produce an excessive amount of mucous. It can be the result of contracting a virus or infection, however it can also come from too much exposure to tobacco smoke. There are two categories of bronchitis which are - acute bronchitis which will last anywhere from several days to weeks and chronic bronchitis which can last from a few months to a couple of years depending on the irritation and damage involved. It is characterized overall by a persistent cough that is an effort in part to dislodge the build up of mucous.

Asbestosis is a lung disease that will leave it's sufferers feeling short of breath when they are active but eventually will worsen to feeling it even when they are at rest. It can come as well with chest pain and a dry cough. It is a result of breathing in tiny fibers of asbestos that permanently work to scar lung tissue. Although awareness of the dangers of asbestos has grown in modern times, there is still some industries and jobs that can bring about exposure to it and millions still have the possibility of being affected.

Pneumonia can also produce symptoms that include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. It is a very serious disease that is basically an infection of the lungs. This infection can come from various germs that include viruses, fungi and bacteria. These germs then settle in the air sacs of the lungs, growing and overcoming the body's immune defenses. Pus and mucous begin to fill the sacs and it becomes harder to breathe adequately. Along with this symptom the sufferer will feel extremely tired and unwell. They will also cough up a yellowy green phlegm.

These examples help to illustrate that similar symptoms can lead to very different diagnoses. To determine if someone is to be treated for asthma make take a bit of time but a doctor will feel that it is vitally important to be sure.

# # # # #

by SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

> Home > Asthma Articles : Main Page