Is allergic asthma contagious?
Disease description:
Recently, my daughter has been coughing frequently, accompanied by wheezing. After visiting the hospital for examination, she was diagnosed with allergic asthma. Therefore, I would like to consult whether this condition is contagious.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingli
Allergic asthma is not caused by pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses), and therefore it is not contagious. Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract triggered by allergens, and its pathogenesis is related to the overreaction of an individual's immune system to specific allergens. This allergic reaction leads to airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation, subsequently causing asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or coughing.
In daily life, contact with individuals who have allergic asthma will not cause others to develop the disease. Because asthma patients have sensitive airways that are easily triggered by environmental factors, it is recommended to maintain fresh indoor air, avoid smoking, and refrain from using strong chemical irritants when interacting with asthma patients, in order to reduce irritation to them.
