What is Asthma?
It is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. And make breathing difficult for you.
Signs and symptoms of Asthma differ from one person to another. For some, Asthma can be a little nuisance, while for others it can be a major thing interfering with their daily lives. And though the condition cannot be cured, with medication it can certainly be managed.
The stats paint a scary picture as more than 1 million cases of Asthma are reported every year in Australia alone.
How to tell if you’ve Asthma (signs and symptoms)?
An Asthma specialist will put you through some tests to determine whether it is Asthma or some other possible respiratory conditions. However, the following signs & symptoms do indicate towards a possible presence of Asthma:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- A whistling or wheezing sound when you exhale
- Cough or wheezing attacks worsened by a cold or flu
- Chest pain or tightness
Please remember that the mere presence of one or more of these symptoms do not mean you’ve got Asthma unless the tests confirm the same.
However, if you doubt you’ve Asthma, see a specialist and get yourself tested.
Risk Factors (what causes it?)
We don’t know what exactly causes Asthma. However, there’re a number of factors that might increase your chances of developing it.
- If it’s in your family, say in a parent or sibling
- If you smoke
- If you’re obese or overweight
- If you’ve another allergic condition
- Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
- And, exposure to occupational triggers such as certain chemicals
Tests and treatments
Asthma can affect different people in different ways. But it does affect your quality of life. And, the symptoms may sometimes flare-up.
Tests to determine the presence of Asthma might include a physical exam by the specialist. He/she may also ask you questions about your symptoms, for how long you’ve these symptoms, and any health issues that you might have. Other tests may include Spirometry and Peak Flow, Methacholine Challenge, Nitric oxide test, imaging tests such as X-rays, allergy testing Sputum eosinophils and provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma.
Asthma treatment begins with an understanding of the condition and its triggers and the best ways to avoid those triggers. Prevention is the key to ensure that you never get a life-threatening Asthma attack. You may also need to track your breathing and weekly puffs to ensure that daily Asthma medications are helping you breathe well and live better. Quick-relief inhalers help greatly when symptoms flare-up suddenly.
Your treatment, your medications will largely depend on factors such as your age, health, your Asthma symptoms, and what’s working with you and what’s not. If you’re taking way more puffs than what your doctor has recommended you, then you need to see your doctor to re-structure your medications.
Have Asthma?
Or doubt you might have it?
Meet the Asthma specialists at Aviss Health at Gold Coast for the best advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
We’re organizing Asthma Awareness Week, from 1st to 7th May, and offering 30% discounts on
- Consultations with Lung Specialist, ENT Specialist, and General Physician
- PFT (Pulmonary Function Tests) and other related procedures
- And, a Free Device Training
Call us on ? 9871613322, or 0124 4255211 / 4104679
Or, mail us at – wecare@avisshealth.com
