Asthma

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways. It is characterized by 3 airway problems, reversible obstruction, caused by increased reaction of the airways to various stimuli (triggers) and inflammation. It is not an emotional or psychological disease. It can be life-threatening if not properly managed.

Can I get asthma in adulthood?
Yes. Asthma can develop at any age, though it is commoner in childhood and teenagers. Some people get asthma for the first time when they are older. More than 13 million people have asthma and 1.5 million of those are 65 years or older.

Is asthma inherited?
Yes, there is a tendency for asthma be inherited, such that asthma may seem to "run in the family". If you have a blood relative with asthma or allergies, you are at higher risk of getting asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma?
The most commons symptoms are:
a wheezing sound when you breathe that may be triggered by a cold
chronic cough that is worse with cold or dusty environments
difficulty in breathing that comes and goes
chest tightness aggravated by cold weather or after exercise

Is there a test for asthma
The test for asthma involves a breathing test (known as spirometry) which may be done before and after administration of a bronchodilator to determine any obstruction present is reversible. In addition, a substance known as methacholine (known to induce airway narrowing), may be used to determine if the airways are hyperresponsive (typical of asthmatics). These tests are available in most major restructured hospitals.