Dear Physician,I have frequent bronchitis and pneumonia.  It seems that whenever i get the common cold/flu it becomes bronchitis/pneumonia and triggers periods (several weeks) of chest pain/tightness and breathlessness.  I am wondering if i may be slightly asthmatic and they are related.  I do not cough or wheeze. I have had these infections every 4-6 months for the past 4 years or so.  This why i am very concerned.  I am 27 and have a smoking history.  I plan to see a physician for chest x-ray.  For the moment i am wondering if this sounds like i may have asthma.  I do not have problems with physical activity at all.
HI there, Welcome to Chat Doctor. Flu leading to bronchitis and pneumonia and this causing breathlessness and wheeze is not asthma. Asthma as such is usually allergic meaning it gets triggered when exposed to allergens, pollen, dust etc. This exposure causes swelling and increased secretions in the bronchi causing narrowing of the bronchi and wheeze. However, Flu in an asthmatic can be severe when compared to others. Definitely smoking reduces the lung capacity making you vulnerable during any infection. I suggest you get a lab work up with a chest x-ray to rule out any lung pathology. Thanks.