Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, affects your lungs. It is a chronic (ongoing) issue which also means it does not go away and needs any medical management for the same.
What Is An Asthma Attack?
During normal breathing, the muscles present around your airways remain relaxed. This act allows air to flow smoothly and quietly. During an asthma attack, three key things happen, as mentioned below:
- Bronchospasm occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten, causing a narrowing of the air passages. This constriction hinders the free flow of air through the tightened airways.
- Inflammation: The lining of your airways might be swollen. This act lowers the passage available for air to enter or leave your lungs.
- Mucus Production: The body notably generates more mucus during the attack. This might also thicken mucus that tends to block the airways.
Due to such alterations, your airways produce a wheezing sound while performing exhalation. This issue can be termed an exacerbation or flare-up. This indicated a period when your condition is not well-controlled. However, understand that you can work on the condition while using Albuterol medication.
Diagnosing Asthma
Diagnosing the issue can be quite challenging due to the intermittent nature of symptoms attained. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor, preferably an specialist of this condition, to discuss your symptoms. The specialists for this condition are well-certified allergists and pulmonologists with expertise in asthma diagnosis and treatment protocols.
Like skilled detectives, your doctor will investigate and search for clues to determine your symptoms’ cause. Listed below are some investigative measures.
- Evaluation of your signs and symptoms
- Review of your medical and family history
- Conducting a proper medicated physical examination
- Performing lung function tests and some other relevant medical examinations
Note that there is no single factor or test that shall confirm an asthma diagnosis.
How Does Family And Symptom History Matters In Diagnosing Asthma?
Your doctor may inquire about your medical history, asthma symptoms, and family history during your appointment. Below mentioned are some key questions to consider before your visit:
- When did you first notice symptoms of this condition?
- How would you characterize such symptoms? Are they manifested as issues related to coughing, issues in catching your breath, or noisy breathing?
- What is the duration of each episode that occurred?
- What factors might alleviate or exacerbate the symptoms?
- Is there a pattern where you experience symptoms during nighttime?
- Is there a history of the below-mentioned condition in you or your family:
- Asthma?
- Food allergies?
- Environmental allergies (like hay fever)?
- Rhinitis?
- Bronchitis?
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
- Persistent colds lasting months instead of simply some days?
- What other health issues do you currently have?
- Describe your home, school, and/or work environment.
- Talk about your smoking habits
- Are you exposed to tobacco smoke in your family, home, or workplace?
- Do you cough or experience any issues related to breathing while performing exercise?
- Are breathing issues affecting your sleep?
How Can A Physical Exam Diagnose Asthma?
Doctors will observe the movement of your chest and stomach muscles as you perform breathing. This is done with the help of a stethoscope. As it help to listen well to the airflow in and out of your lungs.
Additionally, your doctors inspect the interior of your nose, searching for indications of conditions that are usually associated with asthma, including:
- Rhinitis (inflammation of the nose)
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Nasal polyps (mucus-filled sacs in the nose)
They might also examine your skin for signs of eczema (atopic dermatitis). Since both conditions like asthma and eczema result from inflammation where Albuterol can help. Research suggests a higher likelihood of individuals with asthma also having eczema. The progression from eczema in early childhood to asthma later in life is part of those allergic marches.
How To Diagnose Moderate To Severe Asthma?
Asthma conditions are unique, and doctors evaluate it on the spectrum. Some of you might also develop moderate persistent asthma or severe persistent asthma. It is further estimated that 5 to 10% of people with asthma have severe asthma.
The moderate persistent asthma-like condition leads to experiencing symptoms daily and more than one night per week. On the other hand, severe persistent asthma might have symptoms throughout the day and most nights per week. People with severe asthma might often go to the emergency department or hospital. You might be unable to go to work or school or do simple activities, due to breathing issues.
Some of you might also develop a subtype of asthma known as eosinophilic asthma. This condition is a severe form of asthma. White blood cells are known as eosinophils.
They fight infection but also lead to inflammation. Research has shown a link between numerous eosinophils in the blood and severity of asthma attacks. Managing this condition is well recommended through the use of Albuterol medication.
It is all-important to get a moderate to severe asthma diagnosis so that you and your doctor can determine the best treatment options for yourself. Healthcare providers typically prescribe biologic solutions like Albuterol for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma.
Tests Used to Diagnose Asthma
After reviewing your health history and conducting a physical examination, the doctor might further suspect asthma as the cause and recommend diagnostic tests. Some of these tests, like breathing tests or lung function tests (including pulmonary function tests), assess lung function. Additionally, healthcare providers might perform allergy tests to identify potential asthma triggers, and other tests might be conducted to rule out alternative conditions. While no single test can diagnose asthma, each of them contributes to the overall assessment.
- Spirometry Test: Spirometry is the most common pulmonary function test, which involves inhaling deeply and exhaling forcefully into a spirometer, while computerized device. This test measures lung function while indicating if the airways are inflamed, narrow, or tight.
- Peak Expiratory Flow Test: This test might assess the speed of air exiting the lungs. It can further be part of spirometry or performed using a handheld device known as a peak flow meter.
- Methacholine Challenge Test: If lung function tests show normal results even when there are no asthma symptoms, your doctor may order a methacholine challenge. This test, also known as a bronchoprovocation test, involves using Albuterol. This medication Albuterol induces a brief, intensified tightening of the airways, particularly in individuals with asthma.
It is well important to note that many people effectively manage asthma which leads to fulfilling lives. Some professional athletes with asthmatic conditions might have even achieved records in their respective sports. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best strategies for managing your asthma symptoms.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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