Asthma vs Allergic Asthma
Asthma and Allergic Asthma are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Asthma and Allergic Asthma
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Allergic Asthma: Asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Asthma and Allergic Asthma.
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Symptoms of each condition
Asthma
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Nighttime Cough
A cough that is worse at night, which can be caused by asthma, reflux, postnasal drip, or heart failure....
Productive cough
A cough that produces phlegm or mucus....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
Allergic Asthma
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which can be related to heart, lung, or muscle co...
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Rhinorrhea
Increased discharge of mucus from the nose....
Wheezing
A high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing....
How Asthma may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Asthma.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Measures total IgE and can help evaluate allergic conditions....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Asthma and Allergic Asthma?
Asthma and Allergic Asthma are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Asthma: A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Allergic Asthma: Asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Asthma and Allergic Asthma be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chest Tightness, Cough, Dyspnea, Wheezing, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Asthma and Allergic Asthma investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Allergy Testing, CBC with Differential, Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Test selection is a clinical decision.