Difference Between Asthma and Wheezing

Key Difference – Asthma vs Wheezing

Thekey differencebetween asthma and wheezing is,wheezing is the musical polyphonic sound caused by partial narrowing of smaller airwayswhileasthma is a condition which is demarcated by reversible smaller airway obstructions due to recurrent bronchospasms.Therefore, the hallmark of Asthma is intermittent wheezing episodes. However, in Asthma, wheezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest tightness.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is defined as reversible intermittent bronchospasms. It is an allergic disease. Some people have a tendency to developallergic reactionsto various environmental substances (allergens). When the allergy-prone person is exposed to anallergen,a set of undesirable reactions is produced by the immune system. This is considered as hypersensitivity. It causes the release of various chemical mediators such as histamines. They are potent reactors and cause very rapid and severe bronchospasms leading to episodes of wheezing. Pathologically,chronic inflammationis also seen in the bronchial walls of these patients. There aredifferent categories of Asthmasuch as childhood Asthma, cough variant Asthma, occupational related Asthma, etc. Cold air, house dust mite,pollenhave been identified as common allergens among most Asthma patients. The frequency and the severity of the wheezing episodes can vary among Asthma patients, and some Asthma attacks show a seasonal pattern as well. Some severe episodes are categorized as life threatening Asthma and silent chest, which need immediate medical attention. Asthma is diagnosed by the clinical history and confirmed with Peak Expiratory Flowmetry.

Asthma is treated with symptom controllers (beta agonists such as salbutamol) and preventers (steroids such as beclomethasone). Symptom controllers are used during wheezing episodes whilesteroidsas used on a regular basis to prevent episodes. Most of these medicines are administrated via inhalers or by nebulization. Prevention of the exposure to the allergens is equally important inpreventing Asthmaepisodes. A lot of social and psychological support is needed for Asthma patients. With properly controlled symptoms, they can have an almost normal life. Compliance with the treatment is very important to control disease in Asthma patients. Recurrent Asthma can affect education in children and the work in adults.

What is wheezing?

Wheezing is the polyphonic musical sound caused due to bronchospasms. There are manycauses of wheezing. Some examples include allergens, noxious gasses, smoking, etc. There isn’t much difference between the treatment of wheezing and treatment of asthma. However, if a patient is getting recurrent wheezing episodes, proper medical evaluation is needed to exclude Asthma orChronic Obstructive Airway Disease, which is a condition seen in long standing smokers. Wheezing is an alarming symptom in children. However, if treatment is given immediately, it can be controlled very quickly.

Whatis the difference between Asthma and Wheezing?

Definitionof Asthma and Wheezing

Asthma:Asthma is a condition which is demarcated by reversible smaller airway obstructions due to recurrent bronchospasms

Wheezing:Wheezing is the is the musical polyphonic sound caused by partial narrowing of smaller airways

Characteristics ofAsthma and Wheezing

Pathology

Wheezing:Wheezing is caused by bronchial hypersensitivity.

Asthma:Asthma is marked by the chronic inflammatory response of the airways in addition to bronchial wall hypersensitivity.

Categorization

Wheezing:气喘是一种症状。

Asthma:Asthma is a disease.

Diagnosis

Wheezing:Wheezing can be diagnosed by listening to the chest via stethoscope.

Asthma:Asthma can be diagnosed by the clinical history and confirmed with Peak Expiratory Flow Meter.

Causes

Asthma:Asthma is caused by exposure to allergens of a vulnerable patient.

Wheezing:Wheezing can be caused by many other factors such as smoking, noxious gasses.

Treatment

Wheezing:喘息只需要sympto只是一个插曲matic treatment.

Asthma:Asthma needs long-term treatment until the symptoms are well controlled.

Image Courtesy:

“Asthma triggers 2” by 7mike5000 – Own work.(CC BY-SA 3.0)viaWikimedia Commons

“Doctor uses a stethoscope to examine a young patient” by Unknown – http://www.defenseimagery.mil; VIRIN: DA-ST-85-12888. (Public Domain) viaWikimedia Commons