Do I have Asthma? How is it diagnosed & treated?

Do I have Asthma? How is it diagnosed?

symptoms
diagnosis
treatment

What is asthma?

  • The airways (tubes) that take air from your throat to your lungs are surrounded by tiny muscles. These muscles are involuntary – you have no control over them. When they contract (squeeze), the airways become narrow and air can’t pass through them as easily.
  • Certain triggers, such as pollen or dust, can cause these muscles to contract, or they can contract spontaneously for no obvious reason.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

  • The narrowed airways result in breathlessness, wheeze, cough and chest tightness.
  • If untreated and severe it can lead to death.

 

asthma

Who gets asthma?

  • Asthma can affect up to 1 in 5 people.
  • It can run in families – ie. it is linked to genetics.
  • It’s associated with other conditions such as eczema and hayfever.
  • It’s commoner in smokers.
  • It can also be associated with obesity.
  • It can start at any time in life.
  • It can be triggered by exercise.

How is asthma diagnosed?

  • The diagnosis should be made by a doctor, based on symptoms of asthma, the examination findings and the response to treatment.
  • Most people over the age of 6 or 7 can have breathing tests to confirm the diagnosis. In young children the symptoms of asthma may be adequate to make the diagnosis.
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What is the treatment for asthma?

Avoidance of triggers & reduction of risks

  • For example, getting advice on how to reduce exposure to dust or pollens.
  • Breastfeeding children (if possible) reduces their chances of being asthmatic.
  • Reduction in weight where appropriate.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Annual flu immunisation.
  • Avoidance of certain medications, most particularly “Beta Blockers”.
  • Avoidance of viral infections

Medications

  • Prevention of symptoms before they start (Preventer inhalers or tablets).
  • Relief of symptoms after they have started (Reliever inhalers).

What are the medications commonly used as treatment for Asthma ?

  • Preventers
    • Steroid inhalers – reduce the inflammation that causes the muscles around the airways to contract.
    • “Long-Acting Beta Agonist” (LABA) inhalers – relax the muscles around the airways.
    • “Leukotriene Antagonist” tablets – reduce the inflammation that causes the muscles around the airways to contract.
  • Relievers
    • “Short-Acting Beta Agonist” (SABA) or- relax the muscles around the airways.
    • “Anticholinergic” inhalers – relax the muscles around the airways.
  • There are other less commonly used treatments which are mainly used by hospital specialists.
  • Most conventional asthma inhalers are more effective if given via a “spacer”. However, some inhalers don’t work with a spacer.

How do I know if my asthma is well controlled?

Among other things:

  • You don’t wake at night with a cough or wheeze.
  • You rarely or never need a reliever medication.
  • You can do all the exercise you want without getting wheezy.
  • Your breathing is unaffected during the day.

Are there any complications from asthma?

  • The main complications of asthma are the immediate risk of severe attack (which can be fatal) and also the impact on wellbeing in the medium term.
  • Asthma can also lead to other serious lung disorders if it’s inadequately controlled long-term.

If you have more questions or concerns about asthma, speak to your GP. For asthma in kids, check out the Royal Children’s Hospital website.

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