Asthma is an illness that results due to the blockage of the airways of the lungs. The severity of the Asthma ranges from mild to severe. A mild episode of asthma can be treated with an asthma pump and over the counter medicine, whereas a major one needs more professional help. It is important to threat and keep a tab on every respiratory illness, particularly Asthma. As we are observing this World Asthma Day on 1st May 2018, we present a brief overview of symptoms of asthma and how it is diagnosed and treated.

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to the lungs happens through the bronchial tubes, the passage to the lungs. Having asthma leads to inflammation of the bronchial tubes to the lungs. The swollen bronchial tubes and muscle make it difficult to facilitate smooth effortless air passage in and out of the lungs.

Possible asthma can be diagnosed by looking for the symptoms of the same. The exact symptoms may vary from person to person, but the most common are as follows-

1. Chronic coughing or wheezing
2. Chest pain and tenderness
3. Shortness of breath
4. Difficulty sleeping, particularly at night
5. Whistling sound while breathing out
6. Fatigue upon exercise

Many of these may arise even without asthma, but seeking the opinion of a doctor is always advisable. It is particularly recommended if the symptom gets prominent right after exercise, crying, laughing, exposure to allergies and during the night. Remember the severity of asthma increases upon the time span of the same, particularly untreated time period.

The diagnosis of asthma includes factors like family history, personal history, at its basics. Then it advances to certain diagnostic tests. These include Spirometry, which estimates the capacity and fictions of the lungs. Several other tests record the effects of particular allergens and stimulants.

On this World Asthma Day, we spread awareness regarding its crucial aspects to every people out there. Asthma cannot be cured permanently once infected. However, it can be managed effectively through medication, and healthy lifestyle. The chances of managing it effectively enhances significantly if the patients seek the diagnosis and treatment at its earliest. Timely measures ensure fewer, less severe attacks in future. Needless to say, the vice versa leads to the exact opposite scenario and can even cause permanent damage to the respiratory system.