Importance Of Early Diagnosis Of Asthma
Do you ever find yourself struggling to breathe, especially while performing any physical activity or when exposed to certain triggers like pollen or dust? If so, you may be suffering from asthma.
Severity of asthma varies from person to person. For some it might be a minor nuisance while others may find asthma hindering their ability to perform daily activities and life threatening. Unfortunately, many individuals with asthma go undiagnosed for years, leading to life threatening complications down the line. That's why early diagnosis and management of asthma is crucial for ensuring that individuals can lead healthy, active lives without experiencing extreme symptoms.
> What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties. The airways become inflamed and produce excessive mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Asthma can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens (e.g. pollen, dust mites, animal dander), irritants (e.g. cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong odours), respiratory infections, exercise, and stress. In Mangalore, air pollution is a significant concern, with high levels of particulate matter and other harmful pollutants in the air.
Asthma symptoms can be a bit difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are different for every patient and they can be confused with other medical conditions like cold and cough too. Some of the most common asthma symptoms are:
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Wheezing
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Coughing
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Shortness of breath
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Chest tightness.
While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with appropriate treatment, which may include medication (e.g. inhalers), avoiding triggers, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
> Why is early diagnosis important?
The importance of early diagnosis of asthma cannot be emphasised enough. Asthma is a chronic condition that can affect individuals of any age, and it can be difficult to recognize in its early stages. Early diagnosis is crucial because it can prevent the condition from worsening and causing more severe symptoms. It also enables individuals to manage their asthma effectively, reducing the risk of asthma attacks and other complications.