Diagnosis and Treatment Options For Asthma

Diagnosing Asthma

Diagnosing asthma can be a tricky affair, as the symptoms are sometimes similar to other respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and emphysema. However, careful examination of the chest and lung regions using x-rays and through tests makes accurate diagnosis possible today. One good way of diagnosing asthma is by measuring the efficiency of air exhalation using a spirometer.

Besides this, using a peak flow meter is helpful too. A peak flow meter, as the name suggests, is used to measure the highest speed at which a person can inhale and exhale. A peak flow meter also helps evaluate the lung capacity and lung function of a person. A weakened lung function could be a surefire indicator of asthma.

Treating Asthma

It is generally believed that there is no permanent fix for asthma. It is not totally curable. However, by taking certain precautions, an asthmatic can lead a relatively asthma-free life. It’s all about control, and controlling the immediate environment can go a long way in enabling an asthmatic to lead a normal life.

Besides, there are drugs available nowadays that keep the bronchioles calm, so to speak, i.e. prevent them from flaring up and causing an attack.

As preventive environmental measures, one can start by staying away from furry pets, keeping the house free of dust, washing daily usage household articles like bedsheets, pillow cases, etc. with hot water, using synthetic material such as rubber for bedding, avoiding carpeting, using an air conditioner, and any such step that helps the patient stay away from dust and other allergens.

Among medication, using anti-inflammatory medication helps keep the number of inflammable cells in the airways at a manageable level, thereby reducing the risk of an asthma attack.

Medication is commonly divided into corticosteroids, also called anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators, which keep the bronchioles dilated, thereby preventing constriction. Oral anti-inflammatories include zafirlukast, commonly called Accolate, and zileuton, commonly called Zyflo. Inhalable anti-inflammatories include cromolyn sodium or Intal and nedrocromil or Tilade.

Corticosteroids are also available in both inhalable and oral forms. Inhalable corticosteroids are fluticasone or Flovent, flunisolide or AeroBid, budesonide or Pulmocort, beclomethasone or Vaceril and Beclovent, and triamcinolone or Azmacort.

Oral corticosteroids in liquid form include Pedipred and Prelone. These are administered to children. Pill and tablet forms of corticosteroids for adult consumption include methylprednisoone or Medrol, prednisone or Deltacort/Paracort/meticorten, and prednisolone or Sterane/Delta Cortef.