Difference between Asthma and Upper Respiratory Infection

Asthma and upper respiratory infection (URI) are two different respiratory conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help in their proper diagnosis, treatment, and management.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed causing the bronchial tubes to constrict. Excess mucus is also often produced and the person struggles to breathe. Asthma should be taken seriously as it can kill a person if not controlled.

• Symptoms of Asthma − Symptoms of asthma include a feeling of tightness in the chest, cough, and difficulty breathing. Patients often have wheezing and a slight drop in systolic blood pressure when breathing in (usually the decrease in blood pressure is about 10 mmHg). Breathing rate and heart rate often speed up. Some patients have worse asthma symptoms at night.

• Diagnosis − The diagnosis is made based on both a physical exam and tests of lung function. The lung function tests include spirometry to see if airflow is restricted. Provocative testing is also sometimes done in which patients inhale a substance like histamine, and the amount of bronchoconstriction is then noted. In addition, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) tests and allergy tests may also be done.

• Causes and Risk Factors − Asthma can be caused by an immune system response to allergens such as mold, dander, or pet dander. Other irritants such as cigarette smoke or perfumes can also worsen asthma. In some people asthma is triggered by exercise. Respiratory infections and some medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also trigger an asthmatic attack in some people. Asthma occurs more often in boys and is more prevalent in cities than in rural areas, and it is more common in developed nations. More than 50% of first time attacks occur in childhood. Individuals who are prone to asthmatic attacks are more likely to have worse symptoms if they contract a respiratory infection.

• Prevention and Treatment − Asthma attacks can be prevented by knowing what factors trigger the attacks for a person, and avoiding these triggers. Using HEPA filters in houses can help reduce the number of airborne irritants that may cause an allergic response and an asthma attack. Inhalers that contain beta-2 antagonists can help to relax and open up the airways. Corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene modifiers can help with the inflammation as well.

What is Upper Respiratory Infection?

An upper respiratory infection is usually a contagious condition in which bacteria or viruses affect the upper parts of the human respiratory system which includes the throat, the sinuses and the nose.

• Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection − Symptoms of upper respiratory infection vary but usually include a runny or congested nose, fever, sneezing, coughing, and often a sore throat.

• Diagnosis − Physical exam along with symptoms is how the infection is diagnosed. Depending on what part of the system is infected, a person may be diagnosed with rhinitis (when the nose is affected), sinusitis (sinus infection) or pharyngitis (when the pharynx in the throat region is affected). Laryngitis is diagnosed when the voice box, the larynx, is affected.

• Causes and Risk Factors − The cause of upper respiratory infections is most often viral. These infections can be caused by viruses such as those that cause the common cold or influenza. Viruses implicated in such upper respiratory tract infections include respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, influenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus. People who have a compromised immune system are also at higher risk of catching these viruses and becoming ill.

• Prevention and Treatment − One way to help reduce the chances of catching a virus or bacteria is to wash your hands often and avoid contact with people who are ill. Being vaccinated against the flu virus can help prevent upper respiratory tract infections that occur due to influenza. Treatment of infections, particularly if viral, is symptomatic and aimed at relieving symptoms. Patients can be given medicines to reduce fever and pain, expectorants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines.

Differences: Asthma and Upper Respiratory Infection

While both asthma and URI can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath, there are some key differences between the two conditions. One of the main differences is that asthma is a chronic condition, while URI is an acute infection. Asthma symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years, whereas URI symptoms usually subside within a few weeks.

Another difference between asthma and URI is the underlying cause of the symptoms. Asthma symptoms are caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, while URI symptoms are caused by an infection in the upper respiratory tract. While respiratory infections can trigger asthma symptoms, the underlying cause of asthma symptoms is not an infection.

The symptoms of asthma and URI can also differ in their severity and duration. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can last for several days or even weeks. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. URI symptoms, on the other hand, are usually mild to moderate in severity and typically resolve within a few weeks.

The following table highlights the major differences between Asthma and Upper Respiratory Infection −

Conclusion

Asthma is best prevented by avoiding the triggers that cause it. Upper respiratory infections can be prevented by washing hands often, avoiding contact with sick people and by obtaining a flu vaccine every year.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 25-Apr-2023

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