Description
An inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by reversible airway obstruction. The tubes that carry air in the lungs are called bronchi and bronchioles. In asthma these tubes become narrowed because of abnormal muscular contraction of the tubes and from inflammation. The mucous lining of these tubes become irritated and secretes mucous and white blood cells into the airways, making the narrowing worse. In some patients this narrowing occurs in response to an irritant such as cold air, dust, pollen, exercise, or tobacco smoke. An upper respiratory viral infection ("cold" or URI) can also cause an asthma attack. The severity of symptoms varies greatly among patients, ranging from a mild irritant to life threatening collapse.
Symptoms
Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, blue discoloration of skin (cyanosis), chest pain, respiratory collapse.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out infection, or lung collapse (pneumothorax). Pulmonary function testing is sometimes performed to measure the lung functioning.
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Pulmonary function test, allergy test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Pediatric Pulmonology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest X-ray may be done to rule out infection, or lung collapse (pneumothorax). Pulmonary function testing is sometimes performed to measure the lung functioning.
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Pulmonary function test, allergy test
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Pediatric Pulmonology
Treatment
Rescue therapy for acute symptoms: most often a short-acting beta-agonists bronchodilator, such as an albuterol meter dose inhaler. Control therapy to reduce inflammation and keep bronchi open: inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonist bronchodilators, oral leukotriene antagonists, and/or inhaled cromolyn are used most frequently. For severe asthma flares, oral or intravenous corticosteroids and frequent inhaled bronchodilators with a combination of albuterol and ipratropium (DuoNeb).