In most cases, several respiratory conditions commonly affect adults and children. Many of which present with similar symptoms, thus making it quite challenging for you to tell what condition you might be suffering from. Among those conditions is asthma which can present distracting symptoms that affect your quality of life. For this reason, you should seek medical attention immediately after experiencing respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or inability to breathe. And if you suspect that you might be having asthma and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment, asthma El Centro specialists are here to your rescue. The specialists work closely with patients to diagnose and manage asthma and other seasonal and chronic allergies. Let’s learn more about asthma below.
What is asthma?
It is a severe respiratory disease characterized by swollen, narrowed, and excess mucus production. As time passes, you start experiencing difficulty breathing, which eventually causes wheezing and coughing.
What are some examples of asthma symptoms?
Usually, the symptoms of asthma present differently in each individual. Therefore, you cannot find two asthmatic patients presenting with the same symptoms. But some examples of asthma symptoms include coughing, trouble falling asleep, shortness of breath, chest pain, or tightness in the chest. As your condition worsens, you are advised to use a quick-relief inhaler more often.
What can cause asthma?
The specific cause of asthma is idiopathic, but research says that environmental and genetic factors play a crucial role in developing this condition. Examples of substances and irritants that cause allergies and asthma include stress, pollen, exercise, gastroesophageal reflux, dust mites, pollutants, and mold spores. You should find out what factors trigger your asthma to ensure you avoid them, which is essential in alleviating your symptoms.
How can asthma be diagnosed?
Your care provider begins by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination to help develop a diagnosis. He also inquires more about the symptoms you are experiencing and uses spirometry to perform a lung function test. Typically, spirometry is used to measure two parameters: the amount of air you breathe out after a deep inhalation and how fast you exhale. Your caregiver may recommend a bronchodilator varying on your symptoms in other cases. And if your lung function improves with bronchodilator use, you are most likely having asthma.
How can you treat asthma?
The treatment option given for your asthma depends on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing. Initially, you are advised to know your triggers and avoid them to help reduce your symptoms. A quick-relief inhaler may also help. Examples of prescription medications to treat asthma include long-acting beta-agonist, inhaled corticosteroids, combination inhalers, or leukotriene modifiers. The treatment of asthma evolves with time, but its primary goal is to provide symptomatic relief and improve your quality of life.
What are allergies?
It refers to an overreaction of your immune system to a harmless substance like pollen or dust. As a result, your body produces antibodies that make your digestive tract, skin, and skin inflame.
Asthma is a severe medical condition that, if left untreated, may cause severe asthmatic attacks. Therefore, if you are experiencing any asthma symptoms and seek relief, you can start by consulting Prabhdeep Singh, M.D., F.A.C.P., today.