Sunday, August 25, 2013

Medical Symptoms Diagnosis For Asthma


Asthma is a condition that causes difficulty breathing and is characterized by a wheezing sound. This article gives you a quick and concise look at the medical symptoms, diagnosis, causes and treatment options associated with this common breathing disorder.

Asthma

Asthma Symptoms usually begin in childhood; however there are cases of adult onset. Symptoms include recurrent attacks of chest tightness and difficult breathing. A wheezing sound is usually heard when the asthmatic patient is exhaling. The sufferer may hunch forward in an upright position in an attempt to ease the breathing difficulty. Some persons may experience a cough, especially at night, and the skin may become bluish. An acute attack can be very exhausting and frightening to the sufferer as well as those around them.

Asthma is caused by a spasm of the bronchi, which are the tubes carrying air into the lungs or by swelling of the mucus membranes lining the bronchi. This spasm reaction may result from an Allergic Reaction to an allergen such as pollen, dust, molds, foods, or animal dander. Other triggers include a respiratory infection (i.e. Bronchitis), or irritants such as smoke or chemicals. Aspirin may trigger an onset of asthma in some persons.

If the aforementioned symptoms appear it can be necessary to seek an evaluation by a physician without delay. The evaluation may include a physical examination, chest x-rays, blood tests, allergy tests, or lung function evaluation.

As for treatment severe attacks may require emergency medical attention. If the onset of asthma was during childhood, 50% of those patients will outgrow the disorder naturally. For treatment of asthma attacks, a physician may prescribe an expectorant to loosen mucus secretions; bronchodilators to widen airways; or recommend carrying a nebulizer, which is medication inhaled by use of a device that produces a fine spray.

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