Small airway obstruction is asthma?

Small airway obstruction is not the same as asthma.

Small airway obstruction is mainly caused by inhalation of harmful substances such as dust and smoke, which irritate the terminal part of the trachea and cause airway obstruction. Asthma is mainly caused by allergic reactions to certain irritants (such as pollen), resulting in high airway spasms. Therefore, small airway obstruction may be a symptom of asthma, but not all small airway obstruction is caused by asthma. To determine whether asthma is present, a comprehensive judgment needs to be made in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and test results.