Bronchial asthma – severe chronic respiratory disease. The main task of diagnosing this disease is to determine the root cause of the onset of the disease. Sometimes it is not easy to identify the cause that provoked the activation. In order to establish the diagnosis as accurately as possible, the patient must undergo a complete examination and only after that proceed with the appropriate treatment. Estet-portal invites you to learn more about modern methods of diagnosing asthma through the article.
What is asthma and how is it diagnosed?
Bronchial asthma – a fairly common disease, the main feature of which is that at the time of asthma attacks, breathing is aggravated and difficult, which can cause suffocation, and sometimes even loss of consciousness from a lack of oxygen. In addition, if measures are not taken in time, there is a possibility of death from suffocation. Due to the timely differential diagnosis of bronchial asthma, it is possible to avoid the negative consequences of this disease.
The main diagnostic task – as accurately as possible to determine the root cause of the onset of the disease. However, often the identification of the cause that provoked the activation of the disease – not an easy task, especially if the patient is a child. In order to avoid erroneous diagnosis, the patient is offered to undergo a complete examination, and only after receiving all the results of the tests, the appropriate treatment is prescribed.
How is the initial examination of the patient
The initial examination of the patient includes a survey during which the doctor finds out what symptoms bother the patient (cough, sore throat, fever, etc.).
Asthma can be quite difficult to detect on initial viewing because it has the ability to disguise itself as other diseases.
In order to make the diagnosis more accurate, specialists use various examination methods.
Tuberculin tests
Purpose of these analyzes – exclusion of the possible presence of tuberculosis in a patient. In the case of a positive reaction to tuberculosis, a change in treatment methods occurs.
Chest x-ray
Under the condition of an x-ray during the attack, the following changes become apparent:
- transparency of lung fields;
- chest expansion;
- Dome seal on diaphragm.
If the disease has become severe, there is a possibility of deformation of the sternum or an increase in the pulmonary pattern. This study is planned for all patients with a preliminary diagnosis of bronchial asthma. If the disease is in the initial stage, you can do without an x-ray.
However, in the case of a severe form, this study is mandatory, because it makes it possible to follow the manifestation of the complications of the disease, as well as to see how the course of the disease occurs and whether there is an exacerbation.
Sputum examination
If the disease is at an early stage of development, the patient may experience only a dry cough without sputum production. However, in the case of a severe form, a cough appears with easily separated mucous or mucopurulent sputum. Specialists examine the received analysis for the presence in it of elements that can influence the development and course of the disease.
Complete blood count
Provided that the disease is in remission or in the case of a recent onset of its manifestation in a patient, no special changes are usually observed in the blood test. The detection of a high ESR indicates that bronchial asthma is accompanied by an infection.
Electrocardiography (ECG)
An ECG analysis may indicate the presence of negative changes only in the case of a severe degree of the disease. So, the most common deviation observed in patients is tachycardia.
Spirogram
This method is able to show the degree of lung obstruction, monitor the reaction of the bronchi to various allergens and other provocateurs, and also indicate the presence of an exacerbation of the disease in case of physical activity
Examination of respiratory function (PFR)
The main symptom of bronchial asthma is respiratory failure. Conducting a study will be effective only at the time of an asthma attack, then it becomes possible to see various deviations.
After all the above studies have been carried out, a mandatory examination of the patient for the presence of allergies takes place. It is allergic reactions that often provoke the development and exacerbation of bronchial asthma.
Breathing exercises and office gymnastics will be a good prevention of bronchial asthma:
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