Asthma is a chronic disease that blocks the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. In asthma, the smooth muscles around the airway contract in response to triggers such as allergens, smoke, cold weather or exercise, and the production of a sticky secretion called mucus increases; This causes the airway to narrow. Asthma attacks that develop in response to various triggers can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Asthma

Asthma can affect both children and adults. And also;

People living in cities with poor air quality

Smokers or those exposed to second-hand smoke (passive smokers)

people with allergies

People with a family history of asthma or allergies.

Symptoms

Asthma is a disease that usually progresses with exacerbations. Although exacerbations occur during exercise, allergens or some chemicals, the following symptoms are observed:

Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing

Cough

Chest pain or tightness

Shortness of breath

Diagnostic Methods

Although the cause of asthma is unknown, as a result of research, it is thought that asthma develops due to genetic causes, infections, environmental factors and the medical condition of the person. Asthma can vary greatly from patient to patient. Among the triggers of asthma are factors such as;

pollen

Pets

dust mites

Exercise

Smoke

Extremely hot and cold weather conditions

Air pollution

Chemical odors or fumes

Obesity

Stress and mood disorders (such as depression)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

some viral diseases

Medicines

Sulfites and preservatives in processed foods and beverages

If asthma is suspected, your doctor will listen to your medical history and perform a physical examination. Some tests that may be ordered to clarify the diagnosis include:

Spirometer

This test basically helps to understand how narrow the bronchi are by measuring the lung capacity and the amount of air inhaled. It is one of the important tests in the diagnosis of asthma.

Peak Flowmeter

It is used to detect changes in lung functions.

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It is a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. If there are structural problems or infections accompanying asthma, it allows it to occur.

Methacholine Test

The drug called methacholine is given to the patient by breathing under low doses and under control, and the sensitivity of the patient's bronchi to methacholine (whether it narrows with methacholine) is determined.

Allergy Test

It is done with skin tests or blood tests. Considering that the substances that cause allergies in the patient may trigger asthma attacks, the necessary treatments are started.

In addition, your doctor may perform a spirometry test and a peak flow measurement test before and after giving bronchodilators (medicine that opens your airways) to the airways. The difference is helpful in diagnosing asthma.