|
|
COMMON DISEASES > ASTHMA
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung
condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the
air passages. The root cause of asthma is inflammation of the
linings of the bronchi (the lungs' larger airways) and
bronchioles (the lungs' smaller breathing passages). Asthma
often develops early - often before age of 5 years, yet it is
very much possible to have symptoms of Asthma at a later stage
as well. More often than not,the disease is passed genetically
as well.
Symptoms
In general, symptoms of
asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound ), laboured
breathing or difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest
region and persistent cough. Symptoms of a severe asthma
attack include rapidness of pulse; sweating; extreme shortness
of breath, flared nostrils etc.
How Asthma can be diagnosed?
The diagnosis of asthma
is confirmed with blood tests, a chest X-ray and lung function
tests. Lung function tests may include Spirometry & Peak
airflow measurement .If allergens are suspected cause of
asthma, allergy skin testing may be performed. In allergy skin
testing, weak dilutions of different potential allergens are
injected through or under the skin. An allergy to that
substance is confirmed if there is a reaction (redness and
swelling) at the injection site after 15 to 20 minutes
|
|
Copyright 1998 - 2005 Dr. Sankaran's Clinic.
All Rights Reserved.
Hosted
& Maintained by
Life Sciences
www.scientica.com
|
