Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways in the lungs get affected. The swelling of the airways makes breathing difficult. Sometimes extra mucus is also produced.  This makes it harder to breathe in a flow. Narrowing of airways causes a whistling (wheezing) sound, triggering extreme cough and shortness of breath.

Asthma can start in early childhood in some cases it does not show any symptoms until late adulthood. It can affect people of any age group. The condition can worsen if certain things such as exercise, viral infection, or cold trigger its symptoms.

 

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of asthma may vary from person to person. For some people, it can be a major problem that affects their daily routine, and for some, it might just be limited to infrequent asthma attacks.

The common symptoms are:

• Wheezing sound when breathing (which is a common sign in children)
• Chest tightness or pain
• Coughing attacks that might get worsen with a cold or flu
• Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath or coughing
• The most common things that might flare asthma attacks are cold, flu, pollen, animal fur or chemical fumes

 

CAUSES

Experts state that over 14 million Pakistanis suffer from Asthma. It is considered that if someone in your immediate family has it then you are more likely to have it. 

However, the exact cause of asthma is still unknown. Pollution, hygiene, and genetics are considered as causes, but there is not enough evidence.

 

OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

Occupational asthma is when someone develops symptoms due to exposure to fumes or chemicals at work. Some of the common factors that cause occupational asthma are:

• Wood dust
• Chemical fumes
• Flour or grain dust
• Latex 

Chemical workers, factory workers, welders, animal handlers, timber workers, and nurses are at high risk as they are exposed to the factors that might trigger asthma.

 

DIAGNOSIS

A general physician is able to diagnose it from your symptoms and through some simple tests. But it is difficult to run these tests on children under 5 years. 

Usually, the main tests to diagnose asthma include the FeNO test, Spirometry, or peak flow test. After these tests, the doctor might also recommend a chest x-ray or allergy test to see if the condition is triggered by an allergy.

 

TREATMENT

The main treatment of asthma is to start using inhalers (devices that help you breathe in medicine). Tablets and other treatments can also be used if the condition is severe. However, it must be noted that there is no cure for asthma, but treatment can help in controlling its symptoms so that the person can lead a normal active life. 

Although asthma is not curable, you can manage it with a doctor’s help. A person with asthma should know what things trigger his/ her asthma and by avoiding those circumstances (factors) a person can control it.

If you’re suffering from asthma or have experienced the symptoms, contact The Professionals at Doctify clinic to help diagnose your condition. Book your appointment now.