Diagnosis, Causes And Symptoms Of Asthma
The origin of this condition is very complex. It includes irritation, inflammation, intermittent obstructions and hypersensitive bronchi. There may also be an increased contractile response of the airways. In this article we will therefore take a closer look at the diagnosis, causes and symptoms of asthma.
Who suffers from asthma?
You now know which target groups are affected by asthma. Below we tell you a little more about the diagnosis, causes and symptoms of asthma.
Causes and Symptoms of Asthma
Causes of Asthma
Etiological Factors
- Genetics: A family history of asthma and/or allergies related to breathing difficulties.
- Exposure to allergens: substances that cause allergies and respiratory complaints. The main ones are:
- Microscopic fungi (a product of moisture)
- Pet scales, fur and dander
- Garment fabric (such as wool)
- To smoke
- Sawdust
- mites
- Dust
- Pollen
Triggers
In addition to the causes and symptoms of asthma, there are also some factors that are associated with the onset of asthma symptoms. These are usually environmental factors such as:
- Viral infections
- tobacco smoke
- Celiac disease or gluten intolerance
- Polluted environment and poor air quality
- Sudden changes in weather conditions (intense cold, humidity, or snow)
- Long-term use of certain antibiotics and medications
Symptoms of Asthma
Symptoms can manifest in a mild or chronic way, depending on the patient. They almost always depend on the strength of your immune system. They manifest according to the type of asthma you have and its severity. In general, the patient will experience the following problems:
- Cough: This is usually an irritating cough with little mucus, sometimes completely dry.
- Difficulty breathing: This usually happens when you exert yourself or physically exhaust yourself. In severe cases, breathing problems can also appear while speaking and even at rest.
- Whistle in the chest: These sounds are produced by the passage of air through narrow airways. It is more easily detected by a stethoscope.
Other symptoms may include:
- Feeling of fatigue.
- Pain and irritation in the throat.
- Press the chest.
- In addition, there may be irregular breathing (slower or faster than normal).
- Nasal congestion (thick mucus, difficult to clear) and sneezing.
- Difficulty walking or talking because it is difficult to breathe (a very serious symptom).
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The diagnosis of asthma
We have now discussed the causes and symptoms of asthma and would like to talk about how to diagnose asthma. The diagnosis of this disease begins with an evaluation of your medical history, family history, and other possible causes or risk factors. If a patient has already been diagnosed, previous seizures will be evaluated. Many cases involve allergies. So if a patient has rhinitis or eczema, it could lead a doctor to suspect asthma. In addition, the doctor may do one of the following tests to further diagnose:
- Allergy Tests
- blood tests
- Lung Function Tests
- X-rays of the chest and sinuses
- Blood gas test (when asthma attacks are severe)
Therapy
Unfortunately, asthma is a disease that cannot be cured. But there are certain treatments to keep it under control. The goal of the treatments is to reduce both the severity of your condition and the return of symptoms.
Treatment goals include:
- Preventing and alleviating chronic symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Maintaining good lung function.
- Reducing the need to use emergency medications for relief.
- Avoiding chronic asthma attacks.
Medical treatments include prescribing medications such as:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs : Corticosteroids are usually prescribed (eg beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone).
- Bronchodilators: beta-2 agonists (including salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeterol and formeterol, anticholinergias (ipratropium bromide) and methylxanthines.
- Antihistamines: Although these do not control the disease, they are useful for reducing allergy symptoms.
It is also important to have an action plan that includes the following precautions:
- First, take your medication correctly, at the right time and according to medical advice.
- Then seek emergency medical help if necessary.
- Also know how well your disease is controlled.
- And also avoid environmental influences.
- Finally, know how to take care of yourself while exercising.
