Asthma

Symptoms may include:

• A whistling sound when breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Cough

The symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, however you are more likely to develop asthma if you have any of the following:

• Keep coming back
• Being worse in the morning and at night
• Occur after exposure to a trigger, such as exercising or allergies (such as pollen or animal fur)

Asthma attack cause symptoms to worsen and might include:

• Coughing and chest tightness
• Being breathless to eat, talk, or sleep
• Breathing faster
• Rapid heartbeat
• Exhaustion

Your doctor will diagnose and evaluate the condition through:

Asking you about:

• The symptoms
• When it happens and how often
• If there are triggers that cause the attacks
• If you or one of your family members have eczema or allergy

Performing:

• Nitric oxide test in which your doctor will ask you to breathe into a machine that monitors nitric oxide level in your breath because its presence indicates inflammation in the lungs.
• Spirometry which includes blowing into a machine to determine how fast you can exhale and how much air your lungs can hold.

Common triggers include:

• Allergies to pollen grains, house dust mites, or animal fur
• Cold air
• Exercising
• Respiratory infections such as flu or common cold

Luckily, knowing your trigger will help you control the symptoms.

Although there is no cure  yet, following your doctor’s instructions and adhering to the prescribed medications helps in controlling the symptoms and reducing their impact on your life and daily activities.

Treatment can include:

• Short-acting inhaler used when having asthma attack.

• Long-acting inhalers, used to prevent the symptoms

• Some people may need to take tablets.