Dr Pierluigi Struzzo
Pulmonology & respiratory medicine

Frequently asked questions about asthma

Written by: Dr Pierluigi Struzzo

Published: 03/04/2023

Edited by: Aoife Maguire

What are the risk factors for asthma?

There are a few risk factors for asthma. A family history of allergy or asthma is very important to predict the presence of asthma in children. An important trigger for asthma is frequent sneezing.

How can patients tell if they have asthma?

At times it can be difficult to diagnose asthma. For some sufferers, it may develop in springtime, while walking on the grass, with shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness, along with with a feeling of not being able to breath.

Sometimes it is difficult to know if the symptoms are those of asthma because it starts only with a sensation of anxiety and light chest discomfort. People allergic to dust mites may experience rhinitis and a cough in the early morning. Any problem affecting the breathing should be considered as a possible asthma.

Could symptoms of asthma indicate another condition in the lung?

Asthma can arise with any condition affecting the airways, from the nose down to the lungs.

How are patients diagnosed with asthma, and how can they best learn to control it?

Asthma is a clinical diagnosis, made by the doctor with a physical examination and taking note of the patient’s medical history.

Spirometry and challenge tests are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis. The control of asthma can be complex and requires action with medication, as well as by controlling the surrounding environment, such as the bedroom and house, along with pollution and allergies.

What are the different types of inhaled medication available?

Asthma is mainly treated with two types of medications: anti-inflammatory (steroids) and bronchodilators (salbutamol and antihistamines). Antibiotics sometimes may help.

Once developed, how long does asthma last for?

The length of time it lasts for can vary from person to person. It may only last a few months, if well treated, or it may be only seasonal, if it develops due to allergies.

The overall idea is to be followed up until a good balance is reached for the normal living.

If you are concerned about asthma wish to book an appointment with Dr Struzzo, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Pierluigi Struzzo

Pulmonology & respiratory medicine in London

Dr Pierluigi Struzzo is a highly esteemed consultant respiratory and occupational medicine specialist based in London. With more than 40 years of experience in healthcare, Dr Struzzo is an internationally recognised figure in the treatment of asthma and upper/lower respiratory chest disorders in adults and children (over six years old). Thanks to his NHS post at Whipps Cross Hospital, Dr Struzzo currently also has expertise in disorders linked to ageing (cognitive impairment, heart failure, C...

By Dr Pierluigi Struzzo
Pulmonology & respiratory medicine

Dr Pierluigi Struzzo is a highly esteemed consultant respiratory and occupational medicine specialist based in London. With more than 40 years of experience in healthcare, Dr Struzzo is an internationally recognised figure in the treatment of asthma and upper/lower respiratory chest disorders in adults and children (over six years old).

Thanks to his NHS post at Whipps Cross Hospital, Dr Struzzo currently also has expertise in disorders linked to ageing (cognitive impairment, heart failure, COPD, and frailty in general).

Dr Struzzo has spent the majority of his professional life between Italy and the UK. Having originally qualified from the University of Bologna and Trieste, Dr Struzzo worked in the Italian NHS and in private practice for more than 35 years before relocating to the UK in 2019. Since then, Dr Struzzo has practised as a consultant geriatrician in NHS locations, including in a COVID-19 ward at Luton Hospital. As a dual specialist, he is qualified to evaluate and see all types of patients, not only those with medical lung disorders but also with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and rheumatologic disorders as well.

Throughout his distinguished trajectory, Dr Struzzo has also balanced his clinical responsibilities with research and management duties at a micro and a macro level, with regional Italian authorities and with the European Commission. He was the scientific responsible and collaborator for multiple EU projects and also served as a consultant for the World Health Organisation Euro policies.