Asthma is a lung disease and a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical treatment. Usually, when a person breathes, their airways are relaxed. However, in Asthma patients, the airway is narrow and blocked from mucus production. As a result, you might experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. You could also hear the whistling sound when breathing. A general physician in Navi Mumbai can diagnose Asthma based on your symptoms.
Asthma isn’t always a cause for concern for some people. It’s just a minor convenience, but for others, it can interfere with their daily life. Asthma attacks, especially, are life-threatening. Fortunately, medication can relieve these symptoms.
Types of Asthma
Asthma is categorized into different types based on the symptoms and complications. Here are the three types of Asthma:
- Intermittent: It doesn’t last long. Intermittent asthma goes away and comes back. It doesn’t persist.
- Persistent: Some patients are diagnosed with persistent asthma, which occurs often and the symptoms are more severe than intermittent asthma. The patient might also experience an asthma attack at times.
- Allergic: You can experience the symptoms of asthma when exposed to certain elements you are allergic to. This could be pet dander or mold.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
As mentioned earlier, the symptoms you experience depend on the type of asthma and what triggers it. Let’s check out a few common signs and symptoms of asthma:
- Chest pain
- Wheezing or whistling sound when you exhale
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
If the asthma worsens, you might experience these symptoms more often. You may have to use an inhaler. Asthma can be triggered by certain chemicals, gas, fumes, and dust.
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Diagnosing Asthma
Your healthcare provider will ask about your family and medical history. You must tell them the history of any lung disease or existing allergies and respiratory disorders. They will order Spirometry, which measures airflow through your lungs to detect asthma. They might also order a blood test and chest X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Asthma
Asthma can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, which helps reduce inflammation in your airways, prevents mucus, and allows air to easily enter and exit the airways. You can take asthma medication orally, i.e. pills, or get an inhaler.
Although asthma is a chronic condition, it can be avoided if you know the trigger and stay away from it. For instance, if you are allergic to dust and dirt, make sure you work and stay in a clean, dust-free environment.
Identifying asthma symptoms early and taking quick action will prevent the condition from worsening. If you experience shortness of breath and it keeps getting worse, see a healthcare specialist immediately.
Conclusion
Asthma cannot be completely cured, but avoiding triggers and noticing the warning signs of an upcoming asthma attack can help you get quick relief. An asthma patient can go on to live a healthy and productive life given that they manage it well. Also, it’s important to check whether you have asthma or other respiratory disorders, which might produce similar symptoms.