Is Asthma a Communicable Disease? What You Need to Know

Asthma is a pulmonary condition that affects people all over the world, both children as well as adults. You may be wondering, “Is asthma a communicable disease?”. This article explores what asthma is, whether it is contagious or communicable, its causes and management. Understanding more about asthma can put to rest the common myths that surround asthma. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Its symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. While asthma can affect people of all ages, it often begins in childhood. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated. 

Is Asthma Contagious?

Contagious diseases are those diseases that can be easily spread from one person to another through direct contact or proximity, for example through sharing of personal belongings. Asthma is not contagious at all, although it may appear like it. Many respiratory infections like flu and cold have contagious potential. 

However, asthma can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. So, you may inherit a tendency to develop asthma.

Is Asthma Communicable?

Communicable diseases are those diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, not necessarily through direct contact. It can be spread by various means, including airborne transmission, blood, or insect vectors. Asthma is a non-communicable disease caused by innate factors (family history, genetics) or by external factors (allergens and irritants) and does not spread through direct or indirect contact. 

Causes of Asthma

While the exact cause of asthma is not clearly understood, there are several factors which have been implicated in the development of asthma.

1. Atopy (allergy) – This occurs after exposure to certain foods, inhalants or drugs which can trigger the asthma symptoms 
2. Infection – Infections of the respiratory tract can cause asthma attacks, especially in those who are prone to asthmatic attacks
3. Genetics – A positive family history of asthma increases the chances of developing asthma
4. Psychogenic – Acute emotions like anxiety and stress can also trigger asthma or cause flare-ups
5. Cardiac disease – There are certain heart disorders such as left ventricular failure, that can precipitate asthma
6. Exercise – Exercise, especially when performed in cold or dry weather, can trigger asthma. This is known as exercise-induced asthma

How is Asthma Different from Communicable Diseases?

Communicable diseases such as respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogenic microbes that can infect the respiratory system – lungs, throat, and airways. It spreads through mucus and saliva expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, talks or laughs. 

Some of these germs are spread through droplets small enough to remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances. Another person can become ill when they inhale these microbes or when the microbes contact their mucous membranes.

Asthma, on the other hand, does not spread through such contact. Moreover, asthma is not caused by microbes such as virus and bacteria. 

How Can Asthma Be Managed?

Standard medical treatment for asthma includes inhaled (through inhaler) corticosteroids combined with a long-acting β2 agonist. Inhaled steroids help reduce inflammation in the airways, whereas long-acting β2 agonists relax the muscles around the airways to help open them up. For severe asthma, immunomodulator medication may be needed to reduce allergic reactions and immune responses.

Avoidance of trigger factors such as allergens (pollen, cat/dog fur, food), irritants (outdoor air pollution, dust particles, smoke, weather changes, cologne, perfumes), stress, strenuous exercise and certain medications. 

Lifestyle modifications can help improve the quality of life in asthma patients. These consist of regular light exercise, stress management, weight loss and a healthy, balanced diet.

Common Myths About Asthma

Here are the top 5 common myths about asthma: 

1. Myth: Asthma patients cannot exercise 

Fact: Proper and regular exercise can be beneficial for asthma patients. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental for them.

2. Myth: The steroids given by doctors are addictive 

Fact: Steroids given to asthma patients are different from those used by body-builders and have no addictive potential 

3. Myth: Asthma is only seen in children

Fact: Asthma can be both childhood-onset as well as adult-onset type. Asthma in adults can develop, especially if there is a positive family history or sensitivity to allergens

4. Myth: Asthma is not that serious 

Fact: While asthmatic episodes are often not fatal, there is a possibility that an asthma patient can die if the asthma is not managed correctly

5. Myth: You can only have asthma if your parents have it

Fact: While genetics do play a role in the development of asthma, there are also external factors that can contribute to it. These include weather changes, excessive stress and certain medications. 

Why choose Arpit Medi World for asthma care?

Arpit Medi World is one of the best medical consultation centres in Jaipur, Rajasthan having an untarnished reputation in the field of pulmonary care. Dr Ankit Bansal, a Pulmonologist, Intensivist, and Interventionist, is available for consultation to help you get the most effective treatment and manage your asthma condition. 

Arpit Medi World strives to provide quality care and is committed to bettering your health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Asthma is a fairly common pulmonary condition caused by intrinsic as well as external factors. It is neither contagious nor communicable. Asthma can be managed through proper and timely pulmonary care. 

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