Asthma symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Escrito por: Dr Amit Patel
Publicado:
Editado por: Emma McLeod

Asthma is a health condition which makes it hard to breathe during moments of decreased airway flow. The sensation of suffering an asthma attack can be compared to trying to breathe through a straw. Dr Amit Patel is a leading UK consultant respiratory physician with a wealth of experience in the treatment of asthma, among other conditions. In this article, he highlights the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of asthma.

A picture of an inhaler. These are a mainstay in asthma treatment and are usually steroid-based.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs’ airways by causing them to narrow and collapse. On the spectrum of severity, the condition can range from mild to severe. At its worst, and particularly during times of flareups, asthma can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and can be life-threatening.

 

Symptoms of asthma

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. They can happen with varying frequency and at different times but are often worse at night. Among the most common symptoms of asthma are:

  • tightness in the chest
  • coughing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain

 

In those with asthma, needing to use the inhalers more frequently can be a sign of worsening control.

 

Causes of asthma?

At present, the direct cause of asthma is not yet understood. There are numerous triggers which are known to exacerbate symptoms such as allergies to house dust mites, pollens, pets or workplace exposures (for example chemicals).

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of asthma

A diagnosis is usually made through a careful history and physical examination as well as tests of lung function and airways inflammation. There may also be the need for allergy tests. Once a diagnosis of asthma has been made, there are a number of treatment options available. The treatments advised will depend on the severity of the condition and will also account for personal factors and triggers.

 

There is a range of medications which can help to keep the condition under control over the long term but the mainstay is usually inhalers. These are usually steroid-based and will have other components depending on severity. A ‘reliever’ is often prescribed and this is usually called salbutamol. It can help with increased symptoms but it does not have an impact on improving asthma overall. In some patients, novel biologic agents may be necessary and these are prescribed at specialist centres.

 

Visit Dr Amit Patel’s profile to learn how he can assist you in the diagnosis and/or management of asthma, along with many other respiratory conditions.

Por Dr Amit Patel
Neumología

El Dr. Amit Patel es un destacado consultor londinense en medicina respiratoria especializado en la investigación y el tratamiento de todas las enfermedades respiratorias, incluida la tos aguda y crónica, el asma, la disnea de causa desconocida, la EPOC, el cáncer de pulmón, la insuficiencia respiratoria, la apnea del sueño, la sarcoidosis, la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial bronquiectasias, y es el líder clínico de la medicina respiratoria en el King's College Hospital, Londres.

Tiene varias clínicas privadas en Londres, junto con su trabajo de NHS en King's College Hospital y Guys and St Thomas's Hospital. Durante la capacitación de especialistas superiores del Dr. Patel, obtuvo un MD en la División de Asma, Alergia y Biología del Pulmón en el King's College de Londres.

El Dr. Amit Patel tiene un título de maestro de posgrado, participa activamente en la enseñanza de pregrado y posgrado y enseña todos los aspectos de la medicina respiratoria. Ha participado en varios proyectos de investigación y su trabajo se ha publicado en varias revistas internacionales de factores de alto impacto y se ha presentado en importantes simposios en América del Norte, Europa y el Reino Unido.

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