Asthma is a disorder affecting the lungs in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi, leads to narrowing of the airways in the lungs and restriction of the air flow both in and out of the lungs. In order to be diagnosed with asthma a person presents with a cough, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. Without the presence of wheezing, a diagnosis of asthma can not be made. Testing for asthma includes a medical history and breathing tests. Treatment can completely alleviate the inflammation of the bronchi, and can be either inhaled medication, oral medication, or both.
There are several tests a physician can perform in order to correctly diagnose the specific type of asthma you may have. The first step is to get a complete medical history from you. In this medical history your physician will ask you about your exercise habits, any allergies you may be aware of, whether you or anyone you live with smokes cigarettes or other tobacco products, if you have ever been treated for an asthma attack before and how long you have had the symptoms. Your physician will also listen to your breathing, both from the front of your chest and from the back of your chest.
The second most common test performed to diagnose asthma is a pulmonary function test. This is a rather simple test but can be tiring for someone with impaired lung function. The test can be performed in the physician's office and takes from 20 to 45 minutes. A clip is placed over your nose to keep you from breathing in or out using your nose. Next the examiner will ask you to place a tube in your mouth and breathe normally for a period of time. The tube is connected to a machine called a spirometer which tells the physician how well your lungs expand and contract when you are breathing.
The type of asthma you are diagnosed with, as well as the results of your pulmonary function testing, will determine the type of treatment you are prescribed. For example, someone diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma may need oral medication and an albuterol inhaler. Someone with allergic asthma may need oral medications, an albuterol inhaler and a steroid inhaler.
Treating asthma can be very simple to very complex. The initial treatment for someone who has asthma is an inhaler, most commonly albuterol. There are several trade names for albuterol inhalers: Proventil and Ventolin being the most common. Albuterol inhalers are often referred to as "rescue inhalers" as they are used when a person with asthma feels the start of chest tightness or wheezing, cough or shortness of breath. Other frequently used medications are inhaled steroids. Don't fret, these steroids are not the illegal anabolic steroids. These steroid inhalers are long acting and work to decrease the inflammation in the bronchi thus making it easier to breathe. Oral medications such as Singulair work by blocking leukotrienes in the body which are known to constrict the bronchi. This medication is normally taken in the evening.
Treatment for asthma is individualized. If your prescribed treatment is not effective you need to notify your physician immediately. It is never advised to use someone else's medication for the treatment of your condition.
