Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways to the lungs, which causes the airways to swell, tighten and fill with mucus causing symptoms like coughing and chest tightness. This condition may be a nuisance for some. Other people experience asthma attacks so often that it can interfere with everyday life and lead to permanent narrowing of the airway that affects the ability to breathe.
While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that environmental factors combined with genetics may be the cause of asthma. This condition is also more common among those who have hay fever, are smokers, exposed to fumes and pollution and are overweight.
Although there isn't a cure for asthma, the symptoms can be managed to prevent severe asthma attacks and complications such as permanent tightening of airways.
Asthma can cause symptoms in certain circumstances, making it difficult to breathe and chest tightness.
These symptoms may be experienced in certain situations, such as one of the following:
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As a Specialist Pulmonologist with experience in pulmonary conditions, Dr Kenaope has extensive experience in managing asthma patients. To rule out other pulmonary conditions or infections, diagnosis of asthma may include the following tests:
- Lung function tests – these tests may be done to measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, as well as to see if your lungs are oxygenating the blood sufficiently for the body to function correctly (this may also be tested using an arterial blood gas analysis). Lung function tests may include a spirometry, lung volume measurement, diffusing capacity or pulse oximetry test.
- Exercise stress test – this test may be done to test for exercise-induced asthma. By making you run on a treadmill, your breathing rate is increased, and Dr Kenaope can see if exercise triggers symptoms of an asthma
- Peak Flow test-This is a device that can be used at home or at the clinic to detect worsening or severity of asthma
Both of these tests are done before and again after giving the patient bronchodilator medication. If there is an improvement after the medication, asthma may be diagnosed. If he is still unsure, he may choose to do additional tests including:
- A CT scan – a scan of your lungs may help your pulmonologist detect structural abnormalities or conditions that may be aggravating breathing.
- Allergy testing – this may present an allergy that is also an asthma
- Bronchial provocation testing- This test is performed to detect irritable airways.
Treatment may involve prevention of attacks and long-term management of symptoms. Medications may aid in reducing the inflammation in your airways that lead to attacks. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) can also help relieve constricted airways. Also, allergy medications may be given to prevent triggers from causing an asthma attack.
For long-term management, inhalers with corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists or combination inhalers may be used to relieve symptoms (The quick-relief inhalers ease symptoms within a short period. You should not, however, need to use this inhaler very often. If you begin using it more and more often, you should contact Dr Kenaope as your asthma may be getting worse).