An accurate asthma diagnosis helps identify this chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, allowing the patient to receive appropriate medical care to control symptoms.
How is asthma diagnosis performed?
The process of asthma diagnosis relies primarily on spirometry to assess the speed and volume of exhalation. This is a necessary procedure that should be repeated at least annually, and more frequently if the condition is unstable. Peak flow meters are also used to evaluate exhalation strength.
To ensure accuracy, a doctor may request additional tests, including:
- Medical imaging tests.
- Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) tests.
- Skin allergy tests, especially for allergic asthma, where the skin is pricked with substances like animal dander or mold to monitor the reaction.
For children, the process can be more complex because lung function tests may not be accurate in the first five years of life; therefore, the doctor relies on the medical history and information provided by parents.
Asthma medication and control options
The goal of treatment is to reduce attacks and prevent the restriction of physical activities. Asthma medication is divided into two main types:
- Long-term control medications: Such as inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers, which work to reduce airway inflammation and must be taken daily.
- Quick-relief (rescue) medications: Such as bronchodilators that immediately relieve shortness of breath. These do not treat the underlying inflammation and cannot be used as a sole treatment.
Inhaler techniques
To ensure the medicine reaches the lungs, precise steps must be followed when using a metered-dose inhaler:
- Shake the canister for 5 seconds before each use.
- Exhale gently and tilt the head back slightly.
- Take a deep, slow breath while pressing the inhaler.
- Hold the breath for 5 to 10 seconds before exhaling slowly through the nose.
- Using a “spacer” is recommended, especially for children and the elderly, to facilitate inhalation.
New asthma treatments and innovations
Research is moving toward developing drugs that regulate the immune response in the bronchi. Notable new asthma treatments include:
- Anti-antibody therapies (IgE): Administered via subcutaneous injection once or twice a month for severe cases that did not respond to inhalers and required intravenous steroids twice in the past year.
- Bronchial Thermoplasty: A technique using radio waves via bronchoscopy to reduce contracted muscle tissue. While used in some regions, its effectiveness and risks remain debated.
- Smart Inhalers: Designed to increase drug delivery to the lungs while reducing doses and side effects.
Factors affecting asthma and its triggers
The severity of the disease varies from person to person, and certain factors can worsen the condition:
- Environmental triggers: House dust, animal dander, pollen, and mold.
- Weather: Cold air in winter and autumn can trigger attacks, especially in children, due to bronchoconstriction or an increase in colds and influenza.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers (for blood pressure) or aspirin, may worsen the condition.
Asthma during pregnancy
The condition may appear or persist during pregnancy, and responses vary among women: one-third may experience increased symptoms, one-third may improve, and the final third remain unchanged. Attacks often increase in the sixth month and at the end of the second trimester.
Maintaining stability is essential because oxygen deficiency can lead to complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. The management of asthma during pregnancy is generally similar to other cases (such as inhaled steroids), but morphine or adrenaline are prohibited during delivery, and allergen vaccines are prohibited during pregnancy.
FAQ
What is the asthma diagnosis test?
The primary test is spirometry, which measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. This is often supported by peak flow measurements, FeNO tests, and allergy skin tests to confirm the condition.
Does asthma increase in winter?
Yes, attacks increase in winter and autumn due to the inhalation of cold air, the spread of cold-causing viruses, and the use of heating systems that prevent air renewal.
Does the cold affect asthma patients?
Yes, cold air can trigger nerve stimulants in the lungs that activate inflammation and narrow the bronchi, causing shortness of breath and wheezing.
What should a parent expect from a doctor for a child?
The doctor will examine the symptoms, their frequency, and the medical history. They may request tests to rule out similar conditions, such as sinusitis or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and monitor the child’s response to treatment.
When to visit a doctor immediately?
Seek medical care if the following signs appear:
- Symptoms (coughing or shortness of breath) occur twice a week or more.
- Severe attacks occur that do not respond to rescue inhalers.
- Feeling severe, life-threatening shortness of breath.
- A noticeable decline in lung function during periodic measurements.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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- More about Lung Disease
Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team