Although asthma is typically diagnosed in childhood, its symptoms can appear at any time. Getting diagnosed with asthma comes with a ton of lifestyle changes, including taking regular medications and carrying an inhaler with you to prevent emergencies. While this is a serious condition, it is also a common one, so treating it is as easy as knowing what signs to look out for. Below we cover the steps for testing and diagnosis for asthma.
Steps for Testing and Diagnosis for Asthma
Today, we will start discussing the steps for testing and diagnosis for asthma. Dr. Mayank Shukla, the best asthma doctor for kids and adults in NYC, insists on treating these conditions as quickly as possible to prevent them from getting worse over time.
Detecting Asthma Symptoms
We can detect asthma in a variety of ways, although there are a number of different symptoms to be aware of. Those with the following symptoms may be in the early stages of asthma, which should be addressed and properly diagnosed by a doctor right away:
- Difficulty breathing on a regular basis
- Tightness in the chest
- Inflammation of the airways
- Coughing and wheezing, especially at night
- Shortness of breath after mild activities
For most, these symptoms start to present themselves at a very early age. However, it is possible for those over 20 to develop adult-onset asthma, which may not show any symptoms until later in life. This leads some people to believe that they may not have asthma at all, and that struggling to breathe could be the result of something less serious. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Diagnosing Asthma in Adults
If you are wondering whether or not you are at risk of developing adult-onset asthma, you can take a look at the following risk factors to see if you have any particularly strong treatment needs. For example, those who have just recovered from a serious respiratory illness, like a cold or COVID-19, are at a higher risk of getting asthma for life.
Similarly, anyone with allergies to pet hair, dander, or pollen in the air may find themselves suffering from these symptoms even when allergy triggers are not present. The more often something irritates the respiratory system, the easier it is for asthma to develop permanently in the body.
How Does Treatment Work for Adults with Asthma?
Adults struggling with asthma can seek their professional asthma specialist right away for a customized treatment experience. The first thing your doctor will want to know is whether or not you have a family history of asthma or if you have any long-standing symptoms. This can help the doctor determine what kind of asthma may be present in your body. From there, they can explore what treatments would work best.
Prescribed medication can help you open up your breathing pathways, making it less likely for them to close up after becoming irritated. You will likely also have an inhaler, which works to immediately open your lungs and your throat during a bad episode of asthma. Not being able to breathe can result in panic and anxiety, making it even more difficult to breathe.
Get the Treatment You Need ASAP
Even the mildest symptoms of asthma warrant an immediate trip to the doctor. Whether or not you have a diagnosis of asthma in the past, you may direly need necessary treatments. The right course will help you breathe better, rest easier, and live longer. Start with reaching out to your friendly asthma doctor near you in Long Island. You will be connected with a team of specialists who are dedicated to your care.
We will work with you to achieve a proper diagnosis, offering a number of treatment options that will manage and even reduce your worst symptoms of asthma. Contact us today to learn more!
