Asthma is a respiratory condition that is caused by spasms in the lungs. It causes difficulty in breathing and can vary from mild to severe. It can be caused due to hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction.

Asthma or any breathing problem should not be neglected. On consulting a doctor, a diagnosis is done to determine if you have asthma. It can include a variety of tests, questions to understand your condition and a record of family health conditions.

Diagnosing Asthma

Since it is a serious condition, there are a number of tests and questions raised till they make a diagnosis. Here are the factors that are taken into account-

• Personal history
  The doctor gets all the details of any previous allergies you have faced. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath are signs of asthma. The details even include the type of environment you live and work in. You need to be clear about the surroundings as you might have been exposed to pollen, dust, pets or tobacco because of which you are facing breathing problems.
• Family history
  Asthma can be genetic in a few cases. Questions about hereditary health problems can reveal underlying conditions. Ensure you have all the history in place when you go to get diagnosed and tested for asthma.
• Physical exam
  This examination is what is used to find out if you have asthma. The doctor will check your nose, throat, ears, eyes, and chest. A lung function test is also performed to confirm if you have asthma. An X-ray is also taken if required.

Once the condition is diagnosed, the next step is treating it. The treatment will improve the quality of life and make you feel a lot better. There are a few ways in which asthma is managed through treatment.

Managing Asthma

There are several treatment options available to manage asthma. You can recover faster if you follow all the instructions given by the doctor. You can use some useful tips to manage asthma.

• Ask questions and resolve any queries you have about your condition with your doctor. You can make your visits more productive by understanding the condition and being aware of how you can overcome it.
• Create a plan with your doctor on how you can deal with the condition. By following a plan you can create a roadmap to complete recovery.
• Monitor your symptoms every day. By keeping track of your wheezing and coughing you can note the improvements in your condition over time.
• The medication prescribed for each asthma patient will vary based on the extent of the condition and the underlying cause. Understand the treatment prescribed to you and stick to it.
• Find out the reason your asthma is triggered. By staying aware of triggers, you can avoid them and stay asthma-free.
• Learn as much as you can about asthma. This will help you understand what is going on with you and help you to get better soon.

Asthma is a fairly common problem that can be dealt with. In most cases, changes in the lifestyle and environment are sufficient to notice an improvement in your condition. By constantly monitoring and managing the condition, you can live a normal life.

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