How to diagnose Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a serious problem of the respiratory system where the patient has an asthma attack. In this the airways become thin and enlarged. It delivers more mucus. It causes trouble in breathing. Accumulation of mucus in the throat causes a wheezing sound during breathing.

Symptoms of Asthma

• Coughing, increased cough at night or early in the morning.
• The spasm of cough is more frequent but the phlegm is so stuck in the chest that the person coughs and becomes sick but the phlegm does not come out.
• Shortness of breath, after coughing for a long time, expectoration even a little, feels better for a while. But the cough comes again.
• Symptoms of Asthma include shortness of breath, restlessness, frequent chest tightness, difficulty speaking.

Asthma attack

Asthma patients often have asthma attack. Dust, smoke, pollen, hairy pets, humid weather, intense sunlight, garbage, airborne particles and mental stress can also cause an asthma attack. An asthma attack can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Causes

Abnormalities in the body’s immune system are the main cause of asthma.

The following factors contribute to the development of asthma attacks in asthma patients.

• Asthma attacks are triggered by humid weather like cloudy weather, winter and monsoon.
• Asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, soil, garbage, fine fibers, pollen, pet hair, paints, strong smelling substances,
• Due to cigarette or other types of smoke,
• Physical overexertion, due to excessive exercise,
• Hormonal imbalance,
• Air pollution,
• Diseases like fever, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, cough,
• Asthma patients are more prone to asthma attacks due to mental stress.

Misunderstanding about Asthma

• Asthma is not a contagious disease. It means that the person with asthma does not infect others.
• Asthma can happen to anyone.
• Ignoring asthma can be life-threatening, sometimes even fatal.
• Asthma can be controlled. Asthma can be controlled with proper diet, regular exercise, proper medication and avoiding triggers that trigger asthma attacks.
• There are no side effects of using asthma inhalers.

How is asthma Diagnosed?

• Asthma diagnosis is started by taking patient history, presenting symptoms, physical examination. Does anyone else in the patient’s family have asthma?
• It is asked whether allergic disease has occurred.

Effective Medical tests to diagnosed Asthma

• Lung function test – Your doctor will perform a test called spirometry to check your lung function. Apart from this, X-ray of chest is done, ECG (Electrocardiogram) is done.
• Examination by stethoscope – whistling sound during respiration.
• Allergy test will be done to check which ingredient is allergic.
• Broncho provocation test will be done to check airway sensitivity.

Prevention

• Asthma attacks can be avoided by proper diet, exercise and medication.
• After the first attack of asthma, one should be alert to prevent such condition from occurring in the future.
• do not smoke,
• Be free from mental stress,
• Stay away from dust, smoke, air pollution,
• Asthma patients should not keep pets at home.
• Take special care during monsoons and winters,
• Avoid going in hot sun.
• Do not eat cold food, do not drink cold water,
• Go for outdoor walks,
• Eat foods rich in vitamins A and D, almonds, green leafy vegetables should be in the diet.
• Use inhalers prescribed by the doctor.

Asthma treatment information

• Inhaler therapy – Asthma can be controlled with proper use of inhalers. Both asthma relievers and preventers can be given through an inhaler.
• Use inhalers prescribed by your doctor.
• It is completely safe to take inhaler medicines for treating asthma. Medicines given by inhaler are inhaled directly into the lungs and do not mix with the blood. Therefore, those medicines do not have any side effects on the body.