What does it mean to have asthma symptoms but normal lung function, and what should be done?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, asthma symptoms with normal lung function may be caused by allergic asthma, bronchial asthma, cough-variant asthma, pharyngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other conditions. If a patient is exposed to allergens such as pollen or house dust mites, an allergic reaction may occur, leading to airway swelling and spasm and resulting in asthma symptoms, yet lung function tests may still show normal results.
Under normal circumstances, asthma symptoms with normal lung function may be caused by allergic asthma, bronchial asthma, cough-variant asthma, pharyngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other conditions. The details are as follows:
1. Allergic Asthma
If a patient is exposed to allergens such as pollen or house dust mites, an allergic reaction may occur, leading to airway swelling and spasms that produce asthma symptoms. However, lung function tests may still appear normal. Patients can take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets under medical guidance.
2. Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Inflammation may irritate surrounding tissues, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing, yet it may not lead to abnormal lung function results. Patients can take medications such as compound aminophylline tablets or dyphylline tablets under medical supervision.
3. Cough-Variant Asthma
Cough-variant asthma is a subtype of asthma in which the primary symptom is coughing, especially at night or after physical activity. Coughing may be the only manifestation, while pulmonary function tests remain within normal limits. Patients can use medications such as salbutamol sulfate tablets or terbutaline sulfate granules under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Pharyngitis
If the throat becomes infected with pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, an inflammatory response may occur. This inflammation may affect the airways and produce asthma-like symptoms, but it does not cause airflow limitation or abnormal lung function. Patients may be treated with medications such as compound Honeysuckle granules or amoxicillin capsules under medical direction.
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD may cause airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to asthma-like symptoms, although lung function tests may still show normal results. Patients can use medications such as compound licorice tablets or Maxing Zhi Ke syrup under medical supervision.
If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
