The Mayo Clinic reports that while there is no cure for asthma, the symptoms can be controlled with medication and awareness of the triggers that set off an attack. Asthma is a bronchial condition that restricts the airways to the lungs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed and tightened. The airways produce excess mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. The symptoms of asthma can range from minor wheezing to serious life-threatening attacks.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma include recurrent wheezing and coughing, trouble breathing and tightness in the chest, all conditions that also could be signs of other diseases. The symptoms of asthma typically worsen at night and often are triggered by exercise, cold air or exposure to allergens. Signs and symptoms are not sufficient for asthma to be diagnosed however, say doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
History
A medical history is an important component of a proper asthma diagnosis. In addition to the list of symptoms, a doctor will ask about family history of allergies and asthma, if the patient has any allergies that can be linked to asthma and what other health problems have occurred in the patient's past. To complete the history, the doctor needs a list of medications being taken, including herbal supplements and vitamins.
Exam
The physical examination for asthma includes a thorough study of the nose, throat and upper respiratory tract, say doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The physician listens to the chest for sounds of asthma-like wheezing, typified by a high-pitched noise on exhalation. The skin also is examined for signs of hives and other allergic reactions that asthma sufferers experience.
Lungs
Pulmonary function tests are usually performed to confirm the presence of asthma. A spirometry measures the amount of air that the patient can inhale and exhale as well as the forced amount of air the patient can expel in one second. When measurements are below normal, the patient is given a bronchodilator drug and measured again. If the numbers improve, that usually confirms an asthma diagnosis.
Treatment
The National Guideline Clearinghouse recommends patient education as the first line of treatment for asthma patients. Patients must be taught to recognize the early signs of an asthma attack so they can take preventive measures and be ready with their inhaler and appropriate medication. Patients should be instructed how to clear their homes of allergens and other environmental obstacles that trigger the attacks. They also need to know when they should seek emergency care.
