Diagnosis is the important first step in taking control of asthma.
The earlier it is diagnosed the earlier the condition can be controlled, and the more successful the treatment can be.
Anyone regularly exhibiting any of the symptoms below should see a doctor or allergist as soon as possible.
Fatigue
Coughing, even when the person does not have a cold
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Tightness in the chest
Runny nose
Itchy throat
A doctor will ask you the following questions:
Do you have episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, seeming to follow allergies during certain seasons, or weather changes?
Do you get colds that seem to "go to the chest" or take longer than a week to get over?
Are there over-the-counter medications that you are taking that help your symptoms?
Do have parents, siblings, or any other family members that have asthma or similar allergies?
What is it that seems to trigger or cause these symptoms or make them worse?
The doctor will then investigate the possible causes through a number of tests, i.e. listening to your breathing, to diagnose not only whether the patient has asthma but also its severity.
An instrument called a spirometer will likely be used to check your airways, by measuring how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath.
If the airways are narrowed and inflamed the results will indicate that, showing that asthma is likely the reason. Your doctor may give you some medication and then continue the testing to see if the medication improves your breathing.
Additional test either done by or prescribed by your doctor are:
Allergy testing - what allergens you are allergic to
Sinus disease tests
How exercise affects your lungs
Testing you for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which can affect asthma
Testing via a peak flow meter
A a chest x-ray may be needed to find out if a foreign object, or other lung diseases or heart disease could be causing asthma-like symptoms
Depending on the results of your doctors finding form the tests and your medical history your doctor is able to determine the severity of the asthma. The severity of the asthma will tell your doctor(s) which treatments are best.
The levels of asthma severity are:
Mild Intermittent: Asthma symptoms occurring less than twice each week during the day, and is less than twice a month at night.
Mild Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes occurring three or more times each week, yet not occurring on a daily basis, and night time attacks are occurring three or more times each month. Asthma attacks may be interfering with daily activities, exercise, etc.
Moderate Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes occurring daily, as well as night-time symptoms more than once a week. Asthma attacks may be interfering with daily activities, exercise, etc.
Severe Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes throughout the day, as well as night-time symptoms often. Physical activity is likely to be limited.
It is important to note that anyone with asthma can have a severe attack - even those who have intermittent or mild persistent asthma.
The doctors will instruct you on:
Taking your long-term daily medicines
The triggers that make your asthma conditions worse and how you could avoid them
What to watch for that indicates that your asthma is starting to worsen such as the weather conditions, allergens, your peak flow meter, etc.
How and use your peak flow meter
The medications need to manage your asthma
How often you should be seeing or calling your doctor
Together with a knowledgeable doctor, or even a "team" of doctors, you'll be able to successfully manage your asthma. |
