i have been having some symptoms of both asthma and an upper respiratory infection but can anyone tell me how you tell them apart and their differences?

Answer by missykayssister
asthma comes and goes typically, but not usually. upper resp. infections have you coughing up green mucus and phlem. either way, see a doctor! youll want medication!!

Answer by Matt A
Asthma is different from all other respiratory illnesses due to the fact it is episodic and reversible.

Episodic in that it comes and goes. Between asthma attacks, the patient has no signs and symptoms and asthma can not be detected on a pulmonary function test.

Reversible, most of the time asthma is reversible with a strong bronchodilator. As soon as air flow has been obstructed by asthma, it should be restored by making use of a rescue medication.

An upper respiratory infection is triggered by a virus or bacteria. It is not episodic because it will not come and go. It can not be reversed with a medication.