While some asthma symptoms may appear contagious, the condition does not spread from person to person.
Asthma is a common condition that reduces lung function by narrowing and inflaming airways.
It often first appears in childhood and affects both children and adults. Around
Environmental factors like exposure to dust or smoke can trigger asthma attacks in some people. Different triggers may bring on different types of asthma.
Types of asthma include:
- exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)
- occupational asthma
- asthma-COPD overlap
- nonallergic asthma
- allergic asthma
Some asthma symptoms can resemble conditions that are communicable (contagious), such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
However, while people with asthma symptoms like a persistent cough may appear ill, asthma does not spread from person to person.
Read on to learn more about the causes of asthma, risk factors, and how to manage it.
Asthma is not contagious. However, some underlying respiratory conditions that trigger asthma symptoms may be contagious.
These conditions may be caused by microbes such as bacteria and viruses, which can be spread from person to person.
Many potential factors can cause a person to develop asthma or trigger an asthma attack.
During an asthma attack, a person may experience severe symptoms like:
- difficulty breathing
- a persistent cough
- tightness in the chest
Environmental factors like exposure to dust or smoke can trigger or cause sudden asthma attacks in some people.
Causes and risk factors for asthma include the following:
Genetics and epigenetics
Experts have found that asthma tends to run in families. If one of your parents has asthma, you are 3 to 6 times more likely to develop the condition than if neither parent has it.
Scientists have also found several gene markers that are associated with childhood-onset asthma and atopic asthma.
However, genetics are thought to be just one factor in determining a person’s risk for asthma. Some research has found several genes that are linked to developing asthma and some that may be protective against asthma.
Epigenetics is a field of research that looks at how certain genes you carry can be turned on and off depending on your environment. Epigenetic changes do not change your DNA but instead affect how genes are switched on and off.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common triggers of asthma symptoms.
Allergens that can trigger your body’s immune system include:
- mold
- dust mites
- pet dander
- pollen
When an allergen activates the immune system, it can cause swelling in the airways of the lungs, making breathing harder.
Air quality and environmental factors
Asthma disproportionately affects People of Color, who — due to systemic racism — are most likely to live and work close to dangerous air pollution. This kind of pollution is known to sharply increase a person’s risk of developing asthma.
Climate change
Scientists studying the relationship between human health and the environment have found that the effects of climate change, such as increased snow, rainfall, and flooding, are linked to increased asthma risk.
Hormones
It appears that female sex hormones may also play a role in a person’s risk of asthma. Before puberty, males have a higher risk, whereas after this age, women have a higher prevalence.
When female sex hormones fluctuate, such as during period, pregnancy, and menopause, asthma symptoms tend to change. The role of these hormones is not clear, but researchers think they may increase inflammation in the body, affecting the airways.
Obesity
Scientists have identified obesity as a risk factor for asthma. It’s unclear how these two conditions are linked, though experts think it has to do with inflammation and reduced lung function caused by excess weight.
Lung infection
A
It’s thought that childhood lung infections may change the microbial environment of the lungs, making them more vulnerable to developing asthma.
Premature birth
Premature birth may cause a baby to develop lung and breathing problems, including asthma.
The bodies of premature babies are less developed, and this premature development can cause problems for babies throughout their lives into adulthood.
Triggers
Exposure to triggers is likely to cause asthma symptoms in people who have asthma. Sometimes these symptoms can be severe. Common triggers for asthma attacks include:
- acid reflux
- air pollution, such as factory emissions, car traffic, and wildfire smoke
- cold, dry air
- disinfectants and other cleaning products
- dust mites
- foods and food additives
- fragrances
- infections linked to colds, the flu, and other viruses
- medications
- mold
- pests, such as cockroaches and mice
- pets with fur, such as cats or dogs
- physical exercise
- pollen exposure
- sinus infections
- strong emotions causing hyperventilation
- tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke
- weather conditions like thunderstorms and high humidity
While there’s no sure way to prevent asthma, you can reduce your chances of developing asthma if you’re at risk of developing it or help prevent asthma attacks if you already have asthma.
If you already have asthma, most doctors will advise you to develop an asthma management plan to avoid triggers and manage your symptoms.
A good asthma management plan has four parts:
- Minimize your contact with known triggers.
- Take your asthma medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Track asthma symptoms and recognize early warning signs of an attack.
- Make an emergency plan if you require immediate medical attention for your asthma symptoms.
Below are some frequently asked questions about asthma and how people get it.
Is asthma contagious through kissing?
Asthma is not contagious through kissing or other means. Kissing may aid in the transmission of other conditions, however, such as mononucleosis, the flu, COVID-19, and other viruses that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Is it safe to be around people who have asthma?
It’s completely safe to be around someone with asthma, and you cannot “catch” asthma. However, if a person with asthma has particular triggers, like the flu, it’s important to avoid exposing them to these if you have them.
For example, if a friend’s asthma is most commonly triggered by exposure to pet hair, avoid bringing your dog along when visiting them.
Is pneumonia from asthma contagious?
Pneumonia is a contagious short-term disease, unlike asthma.
However, people with asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia and other lung-related illnesses compared to people without asthma due to lung damage.
While asthma is not contagious, pneumonia can be, and it usually requires antibiotic treatment to overcome.
Is croup from asthma contagious?
People with asthma are at increased risk of illnesses affecting the lungs, including croup in children. Croup is primarily caused by viruses, but also bacteria or irritants. The viruses and bacteria that cause croup are contagious.
Coughing due to a bacterial or viral infection is contagious through droplets. However children with croup may be considered noncontagious 24 hours after the fever has passed. This must be achieved without using fever reducers, and continued hand hygiene and precautions should be followed until symptoms have resolved.
Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Asthma is a common lung condition with many different potential risks, causes, and triggers. Asthma is not contagious.
The symptoms of asthma can make it difficult to breathe and also increase your risk for other lung-related issues.
While asthma cannot be prevented, it can be managed by avoiding triggers and following a good asthma management plan.