Can you develop asthma after a cold?

My pulmonologist explained that a severe viral infection or cold can cause airway inflammation, which sometimes triggers bronchial hyperreactivity or asthma. This is often referred to as post-viral airway hyperresponsiveness. It is highly recommended to get a spirometry test if your wheezing or cough persists for weeks after a cold.

Yes, developing asthma-like symptoms or triggering actual asthma after a respiratory tract infection is quite common. However, only a medical professional can run the necessary lung function tests to differentiate between post-viral bronchitis and true asthma. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor for a proper evaluation.

I recently had a very bad cold and now I can't seem to stop coughing and wheezing, which is making me a bit nervous. I have never had asthma before. Does anyone know if this tightness usually goes away on its own, or should I go see a doctor immediately?

At this point, it feels like my body just looks for excuses to start coughing, and a simple cold is the perfect trigger! Yes, a bad cold can leave you with lingering wheezing that turns out to be asthma. Save yourself the endless coughing fits and get a doctor to prescribe a good inhaler.