Asthma is common, affecting millions of adults and children. Diagnosing Asthma is the first step in living the best life.
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Asthma is common, affecting nearly 26 million adults and children in the United States. Approximately 40% of children with asthmatic parents will develop asthma. Asthma is the cause of 4,000 deaths each year.
What is Asthma?
Asthma occurs when airways in the lungs become inflamed & constricted. The muscles surrounding the airways tighten, and mucus is produced inside the airway causing trouble breathing.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma Tests
Diagnosing Asthma can be difficult as signs and symptoms range from mild to severe, and there are many other conditions that mimic asthma's symptoms, such as emphysema, wheezy bronchitis, and even pneumonia.
Once those have been ruled out, a breathing test (Pulmonary Function Test) is given to use in determining how much air moves in and out while you breathe. Sometimes this is done before and after using a bronchodilator, an inhaled medicator used to treat constriction of the airways.
If your lungs improve with the bronchodilator, it's probable that you have asthma.
Asthma Treatments & Management
Treatment for asthma involves avoiding triggers for asthma attacks. Most people with persistent asthma use a combination of long term medications along with a quick-relief inhaler.
What is Asthma?
Asthma occurs when airways in the lungs become inflamed & constricted. The muscles surrounding the airways tighten, and mucus is produced inside the airway causing trouble breathing.
Asthma Symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Viral illnesses
- Allergies
- Exercise
- Weather
- Smoke/perfumes
- Gastroesophageal Reflux/Heartburn
- Pregnancy
Asthma Tests
Diagnosing Asthma can be difficult as signs and symptoms range from mild to severe, and there are many other conditions that mimic asthma's symptoms, such as emphysema, wheezy bronchitis, and even pneumonia.
Once those have been ruled out, a breathing test (Pulmonary Function Test) is given to use in determining how much air moves in and out while you breathe. Sometimes this is done before and after using a bronchodilator, an inhaled medicator used to treat constriction of the airways.
If your lungs improve with the bronchodilator, it's probable that you have asthma.
Asthma Treatments & Management
Treatment for asthma involves avoiding triggers for asthma attacks. Most people with persistent asthma use a combination of long term medications along with a quick-relief inhaler.