What is Asthma
Asthma is a long term lung condition. People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs which reacts to triggers, causing flare up.
In a flare up, the muscles around the airways squeeze tight, the airways swell and become narrow and there is more discharge and mucus.
These things make it hard to breath.
What are symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms of asthma can vary over time. Sometimes the person have no symptoms, specially when asthma is well-controlled. Symptoms often vary from person to person, but most commonly they are:
- breathlessness
- wheezing
- tight feeling in the chest
- continuing cough
Symptoms often occur at night, early in the morning, during or just after activity.
Symptoms are caused by narrowing of airways.
Causes
The cause of asthma is not fully understood. People with asthma often have a family history of asthma, eczema and hayfever.
Research have shown that exposure to tobacco smoke (specially as a baby or young child), obesity and some workplace chemicals can increase the risk of developing asthma.
Notices and Info
Our experienced doctors have expertise in diagnosing asthma. It is very important to make a proper diagnosis before starting a long term treatment.
We perform spirometry for adults and children older than 7 years of age.
Spirometry is used for three purposes:
1- to diagnose lung diseases including asthma and chronic lung disease due to smoking.
2- to assess the lung function and performance, lung's health or degree of the lung disease.
3- to monitor treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases.
Asthma is a chronic condition.
Our team are committed to looking after our patients who have asthma with ongoing care.