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Asthma

Bronchitis and Asthma

03/12/2007

Question:

I have asthma and was told I have bronchitis. I am finding it very difficult to breath at night and I get this weird feeling in my chest when I breathe. Could it be pneumonia or something else. My chest feels raw when I inhale and I start coughing.

Answer:

Bronchitis causes inflammation (swelling, irritation and increased phlegm) in the breathing tubes.  An infection in the respiratory tract can "trigger" your asthma to get worse.  Signs your asthma is not controlled or is worsening include:

1.  Awakening at night due to your asthma.

2.  Problems working or playing due to your asthma.

3.  Problems breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness.

4.  Requiring rescue inhaler (albuterol, proventil, etc..) for relief of breathing symptoms.

Asthma patients should have an Asthma Action Plan to follow when their asthma is not controlled.  If you do not have an asthma action plan you should contact your doctor for instructions on how to proceed. 

For more information:

Go to the Asthma health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Cathy Benninger, RN, MS, APRN, C-AE Cathy Benninger, RN, MS, APRN, C-AE
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, OSU Asthma Center Educational Program
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University