Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Symptoms of asthma include mucus production, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Manifestation of asthma symptoms may be due to illnesses other than asthma. Some non-asthmatic diseases such as croup and pulmonary embolism cause symptoms similar to asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, according to "The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma: A Comprehensive Prevention And Treatment Plan For You And Your Family." These conditions both lead to constriction of the airways and result in asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that gives rise to asthma-like symptoms. In cystic fibrosis, there is production of abnormally thick mucus in different parts of the body, including the lungs. Swelling in the airways and mucus accumulation in the lungs due to cystic fibrosis result in wheezing, a symptom of asthma.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
A dysfunction in the vocal cords leads to symptoms similar to those seen in asthma. When an individual with vocal cord dysfunction breathes in, the vocal cords come close together, causing a narrowing of the space through which air passes. This narrowing causes wheezing similar to that caused by asthma.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a disease that mimics asthma, according to "Bronchial Asthma: Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment." It is an inflammatory disease that affects the bronchioles--the lungs smallest airways. It causes obstruction of these airways resulting in asthma-like symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is similar to asthma. It is a disease in which the contents of the stomach and stomach acid travel backwards into the esophagus. This causes constriction of the airways and gives rise to asthma-like symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.
Sarcodiosis
According to "Bronchial Asthma: Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment," sarcodiosis is a disease that mimics asthma. Sarcodiosis is a disease whose cause is not known. It leads to inflammation of different organs in the body including the lungs. Symptoms of this disease include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
References
- "Bronchial Asthma: Principles Of Diagnosis And Treatment: M. Eric Gershwin, Timothy Eugene Albertson; 2001
- "The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma: A Comprehensive Prevention And Treatment Plan For You And Your Family"; Christopher H. Fanta, Lynda M. Cristiano, Kenan E. Haver; 2003
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Asthma
- National Jewish Health: Bronchiolitis Obliterans
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is Sarcodiosis
