What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can lead to symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. Once diagnosed, asthma becomes a lifelong condition, although its symptoms may vary over time. In some instances, individuals with asthma may experience sudden and severe worsening symptoms known as an “asthma attack.”
Diagnoses & Identifying the Causes of Asthma
Diagnosis
Asthma is typically diagnosed by a primary care physician through a comprehensive evaluation. This assessment includes reviewing your medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests. Your physician will also inquire about your family history of asthma and allergies and the frequency and nature of your asthma symptoms.
Physical Examination
During the physical examination, your physician will carefully listen to your breathing while looking for signs of asthma or allergies. These signs may include wheezing, swollen nasal passages, or allergic skin conditions.
Lung Function Tests
Often, a diagnostic test of lung function is conducted to assess the efficiency of your lungs. This test measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and the speed at which you can do so. If the initial test results are inconclusive, your physician may recommend additional tests for a more precise diagnosis.
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma attacks are often triggered by tightening muscles around your airways, typically in response to various environmental factors. These triggers can include, but are not limited to:
- Exercise
- Cigarette Smoke
- Dust
- Air Pollutants
- Mold
- Pet Dander
