What is Asthma?1
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition with airway inflammation, causing breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing.1 Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management.1
Normal Lung
Asthmatic Lung
Key Symptoms of Asthma1
If you have these, consult a Doctor, for further evaluation
Shortness of Breath
Coughing especially at night or with exercise/allergens
Wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Shortness of Breath
Coughing especially at night or with exercise/allergens
Asthma
Key Symptoms
Wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Diagnostic Tests for Asthma
Medical history and physical examination: Your healthcare provider will ask about:
Spirometry
A common pulmonary function test that measures the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly one can exhale.4
Triggers of Asthma5
Respiratory Infections
Allergens
Chemical Irritants
Environmental Factors
Physical Activity
References:
1. What Is Asthma? [Internet]. NHLBI, NIH. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
2. Asthma: Testing and diagnosis [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma/art-20045198
3. Diagnosis – Asthma [Internet]. NHS Choices. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/diagnosis/
4. American Lung Association. How Is Asthma Diagnosed? [Internet]. Lung.org, 2022 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/symptoms-diagnosis/how-is-asthma-diagnosed
5. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention Available from: https://ginasthma.org/2024-report/
6. What Is Asthma? [Internet]. NHLBI, NIH. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
7. Asthma: Testing and diagnosis [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma/art-20045198
8. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention Available from: https://ginasthma.org/2024-report/
9. Cataldo D, Hanon S, Peche RV, Schuermans DJ, Degryse JM, De Wulf IA, Elinck K, Leys MH, Rummens PL, Derom E. How to choose the right inhaler using a patient-centric approach?. Advances in therapy. 2022 Mar;39(3):1149-63.