How to tell if you have asthma
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. In recent years, with environmental pollution and changes in lifestyle, the incidence of asthma has increased. So, how can you tell if you or a family member has asthma? This article will give you a detailed analysis from three aspects: symptoms, diagnostic methods and common misunderstandings.
1. Common symptoms of asthma
The main symptoms of asthma include recurring attacks of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Symptoms often worsen at night or early in the morning and may also be triggered by exercise, cold air, or allergens. The following are typical symptoms of asthma:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| panting | A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, especially when exhaling |
| cough | Dry cough or accompanied by a small amount of white mucus sputum, aggravated at night |
| Chest tightness | There is a feeling of pressure in the chest, like being pressed down by a heavy object |
| difficulty breathing | Breathing is labored, and in severe cases, you need to sit up to breathe. |
2. Diagnostic Methods of Asthma
If you suspect you have asthma, you should seek medical advice promptly. Doctors usually diagnose by:
| diagnostic methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical history inquiry | Understand symptoms, frequency, and triggers |
| Physical examination | Auscultate lungs for wheezing sounds |
| Pulmonary function test | Measure expiratory flow and vital capacity to assess the degree of airway obstruction |
| bronchial provocation test | Observing airway responsiveness through drug stimulation |
| Allergen testing | Identify possible allergens such as dust mites, pollen, etc. |
3. Common misunderstandings about asthma
Many people have some misunderstandings about asthma, which may delay treatment or affect disease control:
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Asthma heals on its own with age | Asthma in children may go into remission, but asthma in adults often requires long-term management |
| Only wheezing is asthma | Cough variant asthma may manifest only as a chronic cough |
| Asthma patients cannot exercise | Appropriate exercise is beneficial, and appropriate items need to be selected under the guidance of a doctor |
| You can stop taking the medicine when symptoms disappear | Unauthorized discontinuation of medication may result in recurrence or worsening of the condition |
4. Daily management of asthma
After asthma is diagnosed, scientific management is crucial. Here are some daily tips for people with asthma:
1.Standardized medication:Use controller drugs and reliever drugs as directed by your doctor, and do not increase or decrease them at will.
2.Avoid triggers:Identify and stay away from allergens such as pet hair, smoke, etc.
3.Monitor your condition:Use a peak flow meter to measure expiratory flow regularly and record changes in symptoms.
4.Regular review:Assess the condition every 3-6 months and adjust the treatment plan.
5.Healthy living:Maintain moderate exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
5. When emergency medical treatment is needed
When the following situations occur, you should seek medical treatment or call emergency services immediately:
- Rapid relief drugs are not effective and symptoms continue to worsen
- Difficulty speaking, blue lips or fingernails
- Nostrils widen when breathing, neck muscles tense
- Heart rate increased significantly, exceeding 120 beats/minute
Although asthma cannot be cured, with standardized treatment and scientific management, most patients can control the condition well and enjoy a normal life. If you have suspected symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical treatment as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis.
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