Asthma is a very common syndrome characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing and dyspnoea. Anyone can suffer from it or develop it throughout their life. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but they believe it depends on a combination of environmental and genetic factors. It cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. If left untreated, there is a risk that it will become dangerous; therefore, if you learn to recognize the symptoms, you can go to your doctor and receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Most Common Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if you have an unusual cough
Cough is one of the most common symptoms. If this happens frequently, even when you are not cold or flu, it could be asthma. Pay attention if you cough during the day and note the times when this symptom occurs.
- In asthmatics it is common at night. It could also spoil your sleep.
- Also, it recurs early in the morning.
Step 2. Pay attention to wheezing
It is another common symptom of asthma. Wheezing is a high-pitched noise that tends to occur when you breathe. Notice if you feel it during the day. If it is not associated with a cold, it can indicate that you have asthma.
Step 3. Identify symptoms usually attributable to respiratory tract infections
In the case of asthma, symptoms typical of upper respiratory tract infections may very often occur, accompanied by a feeling of general malaise. They include:
- Sneezing
- A runny nose;
- Congestion;
- Sore throat;
- Headache;
- Difficulty sleeping.
Step 4. Assess your general energy level
Since asthma can wear you down, you may feel tired very often. When you are low on energy, moodiness and irritability are likely to take over during the day.
- Fatigue may be related to sleep difficulties caused by coughing or wheezing during the night.
- Loss of energy can occur after physical activity, such as running.
Step 5. Be aware that the symptoms are not regular
Asthma does not arise in every person in the same way and with all the symptoms at the same time. Do not assume that you are unharmed if you only partially show them or if they vary in severity. It is not uncommon to have asymptomatic periods. In some patients, they can only rage when they are exposed to certain triggers, such as certain allergens or exercise. Any difficulty in breathing could be related to asthma and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Step 6. Recognize an asthma attack
It is a severe respiratory crisis that can occur on its own or in reaction to an allergen or air pollutant. If you have frequent episodes that can be traced back to an asthma attack, you may be suffering from this syndrome. If you notice them in other people, be aware that they may have asthma and need help taking their inhaler or going to the doctor. Symptoms related to the asthma attack include:
- Dyspnea;
- Chest tightness;
- Cough and wheezing.
Part 2 of 3: Evaluating the Times of Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if you have been exposed to any triggers prior to experiencing symptoms
Keep track of times when symptoms appear. Asthma is often triggered by particular environmental factors. Coughing and wheezing are more likely to be reactions to certain environmental conditions than symptoms caused by a cold or flu. Note if they occur in connection with something unusual, such as physical exertion or a particularly polluted environment.
Step 2. Pay attention to how you react to air pollution
People with asthma are very sensitive to polluted air. The most common allergens, such as pollen, can trigger respiratory crises. Asthma attacks can also occur after a person has been in contact with animal fur, mold, and dust. Other pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, or hair spray, can also awaken symptoms.
Step 3. Notice if symptoms appear after exercising
Pay attention to the way you breathe when you exercise. If you have symptoms while exercising, you may be suffering from exertional asthma. There is a risk that they will get worse if the air is cold and dry. You may easily run out of breath and cough, gasp, or sneeze right after your workout.
Symptoms do not necessarily occur after physical exertion. The acute phases can be characterized by periods that vary in severity. Just because they don't show up every time you exercise doesn't mean you're not an asthmatic person
Step 4. Evaluate the risk factors as a whole
Some promote the development of asthma. If you already have some symptoms, but also some statistically associated conditions, the likelihood increases. Here are the risk factors that can contribute to the pathogenesis of this respiratory syndrome:
- A relative with asthma;
- Allergies;
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke;
- Exposure to chemicals, such as those contained in products used by hairdressers, in agriculture or in industrial production.
Part 3 of 3: Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Get examined
If you notice or appear a symptom related to asthma and / or are at risk of developing this syndrome, see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important for the treatment and management of the disease. Go to your doctor for an examination and report any changes in your health.
- Your doctor will perform a physical exam and auscultate your chest with a stethoscope. It will also ask you what symptoms you have and your family history.
- If you are taking any medications, tell them the exact dosage.
Step 2. Measure your respiratory function
If your doctor suspects the problem is due to asthma, they will order a test to measure how well your lungs are. Before the tests you will be given a drug that will allow you to open your airways. The action will be less effective if you are an asthmatic person.
- Spirometry checks how much air you can get into and out of your lungs. In these cases, your doctor will invite you to take a series of deep breaths.
- Peak expiratory flow is performed using a meter that monitors the difficulty with which the patient exhales. Reduced ability to exhale may indicate asthma.
Step 3. Undergo all tests recommended by your doctor
If after the lung function tests there is a suspicion of asthma, your doctor may recommend further investigations. You will likely have to do several over a long period before I can definitively diagnose this syndrome. Be patient and undergo whatever tests he prescribes for you.
- You may want to undergo further tests to assess your lung capacity and check for certain gases in your breath.
- Perhaps he will ask you for an x-ray to check the condition of the lungs.
- Additionally, they may order allergy tests to determine if asthma attacks may be triggered by certain allergens.
Step 4. Work with your doctor to create a management plan
Therapy for asthma varies greatly based on the patient's symptoms and their severity. Then, offer your input to develop a treatment that meets your health needs. To manage asthma, you can take medications, make lifestyle changes, and use devices, such as an inhaler.
- You can take long-acting medications, such as corticosteroids, daily.
- You can take medications that promote quick relief when symptoms appear.
- You can do allergy drug injections in the acute stages where you are exposed to allergens.
