Understanding Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. However, these same symptoms can also be caused by other respiratory conditions. So how do you know if your symptoms are truly signs of asthma?
Typical Asthma Triggers
Those with asthma often react to triggers like airborne allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, weather changes, or irritants/pollutants. If your breathing symptoms occur in response to any of these triggers, it may indicate asthma.
Variability of Symptoms
With asthma, symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath tend to vary over time and come and go. If your breathing issues are consistent and unchanging, you may be dealing with another respiratory condition.
Diagnostic Testing
To confirm an asthma diagnosis, your doctor can perform simple office breathing tests to measure lung function. These tests can determine if you have breathing obstruction consistent with asthma. Other diagnostic tests may include:
Methacholine Challenge
This test analyzes your airway reactivity and narrowing when exposed to methacholine.
Allergy Testing
Allergy skin or blood tests help determine if allergies may be contributing to breathing difficulties.
Asthma Management
Once properly diagnosed, asthma can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle changes to prevent symptoms flare ups...
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What are the most common asthma triggers?
The most common asthma triggers are airborne allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, weather changes, irritants like cigarette smoke, and air pollutants.
What tests can diagnose asthma?
Common diagnostic tests for asthma include lung function tests, methacholine challenge tests, and allergy testing. These tests can measure airway obstruction and reactivity consistent with asthma.
What medications are used to treat asthma?
The main medications used to treat asthma are bronchodilators like albuterol to relax airway muscles, and inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent to reduce airway inflammation. Some people may also use biologic drugs for severe asthma.
Is asthma a chronic condition?
Yes, asthma is considered a chronic condition. Even with proper management, those with asthma tend to have persistent airway hyperresponsiveness. However, with the right treatment they can prevent symptom flare ups.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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