Does bronchial asthma spread?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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In some families or among relatives, multiple people may have bronchial asthma. If multiple members suffer from bronchial asthma, is it because they have infected each other? Actually, that's not the case. Bronchial asthma is not contagious. The reason why multiple family members or relatives have bronchial asthma is due to genetics. The closer the familial ties of asthma patients, the higher the incidence of the disease. The more severe the patient's condition, the higher the incidence among their relatives. Therefore, asthma is related to genetics but is not contagious.

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Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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How to check for bronchial asthma?

If there is a suspicion of having bronchial asthma, a series of tests will be carried out at the hospital, mainly including: First, complete blood count, especially focusing on whether there is an increase in eosinophils, to determine the presence of eosinophilic allergic inflammation. Second, imaging of the lungs, including chest X-ray or CT to determine whether there are any specific lesions in the lungs. Third, pulmonary ventilation function and bronchodilation tests, or bronchial provocation tests. Pulmonary function is a gold standard for diagnosing bronchial asthma, often indicating the presence of obstructive ventilation dysfunction. A positive bronchodilation test or provocation test can help in confirming bronchial asthma.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Does bronchial asthma spread?

In some families or among relatives, multiple people may have bronchial asthma. If multiple members suffer from bronchial asthma, is it because they have infected each other? Actually, that's not the case. Bronchial asthma is not contagious. The reason why multiple family members or relatives have bronchial asthma is due to genetics. The closer the familial ties of asthma patients, the higher the incidence of the disease. The more severe the patient's condition, the higher the incidence among their relatives. Therefore, asthma is related to genetics but is not contagious.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Key points in the treatment of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma, commonly referred to as asthma, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving various granulocytes and cell mediators. This airway inflammation can cause heightened airway reactivity, with patients experiencing episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Symptoms can usually be relieved with or without medication. The key points in the treatment of bronchial asthma include avoiding allergens and ensuring that patients breathe fresh, clean air. Additionally, long-term inhalation of asthma control medications and drugs to reduce airway inflammation is necessary. With these measures, bronchial asthma can be well managed.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma cough

Bronchial asthma can also manifest as a disease primarily characterized by coughing, which we call cough-variant asthma. It does not necessarily exhibit typical symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness; it manifests solely as coughing. This type of cough generally occurs more frequently in the early morning and at night, characterized primarily by a dry cough without mucus. If the coughing is severe, some chest tightness may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as an itchy nose, itchy throat, or the presence of hives, an allergic condition, which is different from ordinary coughs. Therefore, when these characteristics are present, attention should be paid to whether it is combined with bronchial asthma, rather than just a simple cold or bronchitis manifestation.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Bronchial asthma auscultation characteristics

During a recurrence of bronchial asthma, symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing occur. During an attack, the patient's chest often appears hyperinflated. Upon auscultation, scattered or diffuse wheezing sounds can be heard, primarily during expiration, and the expiration phase is also prolonged. However, in some severe asthma cases, wheezing sounds may not be present, a condition referred to as "silent chest," which should be noted. If an asthma attack cannot be relieved, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for management by a doctor.