Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation and constriction (narrowing) of the airways. It requires lifelong management and treatment to control the symptoms so you are able to live a normal life.
What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma?
Asthma symptoms are caused by changes in the airways of lungs. These changes make it harder to breathe. Not all people with asthma have all the symptoms.
The most common asthma symptoms are:
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Symptoms range from mild to more serious. Asthma symptoms are often worse at night or early morning, making it hard to sleep. Coughing and shortness of breath are two classic symptoms of asthma that may also be seen in other conditions like:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)
- Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)
- Post nasal dripping
- Anxiety and hyperventilation syndrome
When To See A Doctor For Asthma
Once you start to see signs like frequent bouts of wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing, you should talk with your doctor or an asthma specialist.
They can perform tests to determine if you actually have the condition or if something else is causing your breathing issues.
There is no single test for asthma.
The doctor will use the information about the symptoms and health to work out whether you need to have:
- spirometry (lung function) test –this is suitable for most adults and kids aged six and older
- allergy testing
- Is treatment trial (this means starting asthma treatment and seeing if it’s effective).
- Your doctor may order a chest X-ray or blood test.
Treatment Of Asthma
Inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in medicine, are the main treatment.
Tablets and other treatments may also be needed if your asthma is severe.
Types of inhalers are either reliever, controller, or combined.
What Is Asthma Control?
The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms. Asthma control means you:
- Can do the things you want to do at work and home.
- Have no (or minimal) asthma symptoms.
- Rarely need to use your reliever medicine (rescue inhaler).
- Sleep without asthma interrupting your rest