patient with asthma what symptom do you report to the doctor

by Avery Haley 8 min read

When To See Your Doctor about Asthma - American Lung Association

12 hours ago  · You feel faint, dizzy or weak; You have trouble doing a routine activity, such as cooking dinner, cleaning or taking out the trash; You have a cough that won't go away; You're wheezing when you breathe in or out, especially if this is different from your usual breathing pattern >> Go To The Portal


Seek medical attention right away if you have signs or symptoms of a serious asthma attack, which include: Severe breathlessness or wheezing, especially at night or in the early morning. The inability to speak more than short phrases due to shortness of breath. Having to strain your chest muscles to breathe.Oct 1, 2021

Medication

If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from worsening over time. To monitor your asthma after diagnosis.

Procedures

Having a doctor check how well your lungs work and check for allergies can help you find out if you have asthma. During a checkup, a doctor will ask if you cough a lot, especially at night. He or she will also ask whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or at certain times of year.

Self-care

It is recommended that people with asthma monitor their symptoms daily. The information below can help you determine your level of asthma control. Tracking asthma symptoms is a key component to keeping asthma in good control.

Nutrition

If you think you’re having a mild to moderate asthma attack, use your prescribed rescue inhaler for quick relief. Symptoms that don’t improve should be further evaluated by a doctor. In the case of a severe asthma attack, always seek emergency medical attention right away.

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Should I talk to my doctor about my asthma symptoms?

How do I know if I have asthma?

How often should people with asthma monitor their symptoms?

What should I do if I have an asthma attack?

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What are some symptoms of a patient that may have asthma?

Asthma signs and symptoms include:Shortness of breath.Chest tightness or pain.Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children.Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing.Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu.

What do you monitor for asthma?

There are four key symptoms that you should monitor to help you keep your asthma under control:Daytime Symptoms. How often do you have asthma symptoms during the day, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath?Nighttime Symptoms. ... Quick-Relief or Rescue Inhaler Use. ... Activity Level.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma and how would you treat a casualty having a severe asthma attack?

Life-threatening asthma signs (call triple zero [000] for an ambulance and commence asthma first aid ):difficulty breathing (gasping for air)unable to speak one to 2 words per breath.confused or exhausted.lips are turning blue.symptoms are getting worse very quickly.collapsing.More items...

What are some of the signs observed by health care providers for asthma?

If you have chest tightness, cough, wheeze or shortness of breath during exercise, your doctor may perform extra tests to see if you have a type of asthma called, exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm. For some people, they will only have asthma symptoms during exercise.

What are the complications of asthma?

Some of the complications of asthma include insomnia, fatigue, physical inactivity and weight gain, the flu, mental health conditions, pneumonia, obstructive sleep apnea, and side effects from medication. In some cases, untreated asthma can lead to hospitalization, respiratory failure, and death.

Why is it important to monitor asthma?

The symptoms, airflow obstruction, and exacerbations in asthma vary greatly in both frequency of occurrence and severity. Monitoring these events is crucial to the care of patients with asthma and is directed at the early detection of exacerbations and monitoring of the day-to-day control of asthma.

What should be your first action if someone has an asthma attack?

If someone is having an asthma attack: Ask them to breathe slowly and deeply. Sit them down. If the attack does not ease, advise one to two puffs every two minutes for up to 10 puffs. If they still don't improve call 999 or 112.

When treating an asthma attack what procedures should be followed?

4 STEPS OF ASTHMA FIRST AID4 STEPS OF ASTHMA FIRST AID.Call emergency assistance immediately. ... Sit the person upright. ... – Shake puffer. ... OR give 2 separate doses of a Bricanyl inhaler (age 6 & over) ... Wait 4 minutes.If there is no improvement, give 4 more. ... OR give 1 more dose of Bricanyl or Symbicort inhaler.More items...

What should you do if someone is having an asthma attack?

Sit up straight – try to keep calm. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds up to 10 puffs. If you feel worse at any point, or you do not feel better after 10 puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.

How does a doctor diagnose asthma?

To confirm asthma, your doctor may have you take one or more breathing tests known as lung function tests. These tests measure your breathing. Lung function tests are often done before and after inhaling a medicine known as a bronchodilator (brahn-ko-DIE-ah-lay-tor), which opens your airways.

What is wheezing a symptom of?

Wheezing is the shrill whistle or coarse rattle you hear when your airway is partially blocked. It might be blocked because of an allergic reaction, a cold, bronchitis or allergies. Wheezing is also a symptom of asthma, pneumonia, heart failure and more.

Is dyspnea a symptom of asthma?

Dyspnea is a symptom of asthma. Environmental pollutants such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and smoke can make it more difficult for people with dyspnea to breathe. People with asthma may find that exposure to allergens such as pollen or mold may trigger episodes of dyspnea.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Govind Desai
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Asthma can be managed with medications. Medications vary depending on the severity of symptoms. The medications are administered through inhalers or nebulizers. The medication through tablets helps manage the condition.
Medication

Inhaled short-acting beta-2-agonists: Quick relief inhalators reduces the symptoms like shortness of breath. Usually prescribed for quick relief of symptoms.

Albuterol . Terbutaline


Inhaled steroids: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given for severe symptoms.

Fluticasone . Budesonide


Inhaled long-acting beta-2-agonists: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed for chronic condition.

Formoterol . Salmeterol


Leukotriene-modifying agents: Help in both dilation of airways and reducing inflammation. For managing symptoms.

Zafirlukast . Zileuton


Xanthines: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed if sudden shortness of breath occurs.

Theophylline


Beta-2-agonist tablets: Help in dilation of airways.

Levalbuterol . Metaproterenol


IL-4 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in moderate to severe cases.

Reslizumab


Steroid tablets: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Prednisone . Beclomethasone dipropionate


IL-5 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Mepolizumab


IL-5 receptor antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Benralizumab

Procedures

Bronchial thermoplasty: Reduces the bulk of smooth muscles and thereby dilating the airways. Performed in people with severe asthma. Usually done when the long term medications and inhalations doesn't help reduce the symptoms.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Try to keep your body warm.
  • Avoid smoking and indirect smoking.
  • Avoid strong perfume or freshners in bedroom.
  • Exposure to sunlight for a few minutes might help.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in Vitamin C such as kiwis, broccoli, berries, oranges and tomatoes
  • Foods rich in Vitamin E such as almonds, spinach and sweet potato
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as canola oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil and mustard oil

Food to avoid:

  • Dried fruits like dried apricot
  • Alcoholic drinks like wine or beer
  • Frozen or prepared shrimp
  • Food with high amount of sulphites and preservatives like pickles
  • Food that is allergic to your body

Specialist to consult

Allergist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.
Pulmonologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the respiratory system.
Respiratory therapist
Specializes in diagnosing, assessing, monitoring, and treating patients suffering from dysfunctions of the cardiopulmonary system.

Alternative Medicine

  • Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time. Asthma signs and symptoms include: 1. Shortness of breath 2. Chest tightness or pain 3. Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthm…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Coping and Support

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