The difference between bronchitis and asthma

[Want-to-know]

My husband smokes a pipe and whilst unemployed, he is at home all day. I sometimes fall asleep on the couch and when I wake up in the morning and clean my teeth, I cannot stop coughiing up phlegm. It is not coloured, so I do not have an infection, I believe. A few years ago I had bronchitis on holiday and needed anti-biotics, as I did have an infection.

My question is do I now have bronchitis once more or asthma? I only cough up phlegm first thing in the morning, usually when I clean my teeth - head bent forward - or when I first get up.

Any suggestions how to deal with this?

Thank you.

[ummmm]

I usually get sick most mornings brushing my teeth. Just the thought of brushing them can make me gag. It takes me about 3 attempts.

[Sqad]

Sounds like chronic bronchitis, brought on by your husbands pipe smoking.

Treatment? difficult........see your GP

[daffy654]

The way to deal with this is to stop your husband smoking his pipe in the house. You are obviously suffering the effects of second-hand smoking.

[jno]

asthma is more about wheezing and having trouble with breathing; it's a condition rather than an illness. Coughing stuff up sounds more bronchial. But it's not uncommon first thing in the morning; goo can easilly accumulate there ready to be expelled first thing. Your husband isn't necessarily implicated (though his smoke may be damaging your lungs).

[Want-to-know]

Thank you all for your assistance.

[DONNA1458]

Also have the doctor look into COPD as often disguised as astma/bronchitis.