Bronchial Asthma

Diagnosing bronchial asthma

Because asthma does not always happen at the doctor's visit, it's important for you to describe your asthma signs and symptoms to your doctor. You might also notice when the symptoms occur such as during exercise, with a cold, or after smelling smoke. Asthma tests may include:

• Spirometry: A pulmonary function test (PFT) to measure your breathing capacity and how well you breathe.  You will breathe into a device called a spirometer.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): Using a device called a peak flow meter, you forcefully exhale into the tube to measure the force of air you can expend out of your lungs. Peak flow monitoring can allow you to monitor your how well your asthma is doing at home.
• Chest X-Ray: Your doctor may do a chest X-ray to rule out any other diseases that may be causing similar symptoms.

Treating bronchial asthma

Once diagnosed, your asthma doctor will recommend asthma medication (which can include asthma inhalers and pills) and lifestyle changes to treat and prevent asthma attacks. For example, long-acting anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers are often necessary to treat the inflammation associated with asthma.  These inhalers deliver low doses of steroids to the lungs with minimal side effects if used properly. The fast-acting or "rescue" bronchodilator inhaler works immediately on opening airways during an asthma attack.

If you have bronchial asthma, make sure your doctor shows you how to use the inhalers. Be sure to keep your rescue inhaler with you in case of an asthma attack or asthma emergency. While there is no asthma cure yet, there are excellent asthma medications that can help with preventing asthma symptoms and asthma support that can help you live a normal, active life.

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