Asthma: What You Should Know
The symptoms of asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that makes breathing difficult. Wheezing, unproductive cough, and a tight sensation in your chest are the main symptoms of an asthma attack and are the result of inflammation in the airway. An asthma attack can be triggered by allergens that aggravate the airway's lining. Allergies to animal fur and dander, dust, cold weather, food, cigarette smoke, and some anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin can trigger asthma attacks. Changes in the color of your face, inability to breathe, and accelerated heart rate are symptoms of a severe asthma attack. In case of a severe asthma attack, it may be necessary to contact your medical doctor or to visit the emergency room.
Diagnosing asthma
Asthma is difficult to diagnose so if you are experiencing symptoms of asthma, your doctor may use methacholine bronchial challenge, nitric oxide test, spirometry, and peak flow tests to examine your lung function. A spirometry or peak flow test that indicates better lung function after the use of a bronchodilator suggests asthma. It is important to make note of any episode and to discuss the severity of your symptoms with your doctor. Discussing the severity of your symptoms will enable your doctor to determine which of the four categories is most applicable to your condition. Asthma categories range in severity from mild and intermittent to severe and persistent. Determining category will allow your doctor to prescribe the best treatment for your asthma.
Treatment options for asthma
You will need to provide your physician with information on your asthmatic episodes. Note the time, date, events preceding the asthma attack, possible allergens in your area, and the severity of the episode. Providing this information will help your doctor prescribe the best treatment for your asthma. In order to effectively treat your asthma, avoid contact with triggers and allergens that may aggravate your condition. Your doctor may prescribe long-term medications, inhalers, and rescue medications to help you control your symptoms.
References
Chlorine in Pools Raises Kids' Asthma, Allergy Risk. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/allr/630931.html
Asthma. Mayo Clinic.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=risk-factors
Asthma. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000141.htm
Published by H. Kris Thomas
So Cal resident writing poetry and other things...but mostly poetry. View profile
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