Asthma - How To Detect It?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is caused due to swelling and narrowing of airways, which carry air to the lungs. These swollen airways are very delicate and react to triggers, which are micro things inhaled by the patient. These inflamed airways also create extra mucus, making it very problematic for the patient to breathe. The muscles of airways get tight, thereby adding to the problem of asthma.

Causes of asthma
The exact cause of asthma is unknown. But it is mainly caused due to genetic factors enhanced by environmental conditions. The environmental conditions include pollution and allergens, apart from certain viral infections since infancy.

The triggers of asthma include but are not restricted to dust mites, tobacco smoke, pollen, air pollution, mold, physical activity, respiratory infections, cold and allergy to some foods.

Symptoms

Asthma attack is caused when the airways in the lungs can't get enough air due to their reaction to asthma triggers, followed by inflammation of airways.
Some patients have mild symptoms when they exercise or do any other breathtaking activity. On the other hand, some people have severe symptoms, which can be treated with medications.

Diagnosis

Asthma is caused among people of various ages. First, it starts with severe coughing and shortness of breath, which don't go away. When these affected people are taken to the doctors, asthma is the first disease they suspect. Many people miss asthma because it has initial symptoms of coughing, which are considered to be a normal case.

A person suffering from frequent chest colds may be diagnosed with asthma.
Sometimes, people are wrongly diagnosed with the case of asthma, when they don’t have the condition, especially obese people. People who have frequent acid reflux or nasal allergies can have mimic asthma. For diagnosing asthma, the doctor prescribes a lung test called spirometry to check the function of the lungs.

Treatment
There is no proper cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with medicines. People who have asthma should consult their doctor and go for regular check-ups. The doctor provides guidelines for managing the condition of asthma as there are some activities that the patient will be restricted to do. The patients should avoid coming in contact with asthma triggers and take medical help to treat the symptoms. Daily treatment of asthma helps in prevention of symptoms. Often, doctors prescribe asthma inhalers, which must be taken by the patients.