There are a number of signs that you are suffering from asthma and it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis, as symptoms can be similar to other conditions.
Most people’s condition develops during childhood, but it is possible to get asthma for the first time as an adult.
If you find yourself short of breath and have periods of coughing or wheezing, you may have asthma. Symptoms could be worse in the morning and at night and exercise, cold weather and dust could increase your problems.
If your symptoms come and go, then it is likely that you have asthma.
A doctor will review your symptoms and check various things about your health and family history to determine whether you are suffering from the condition.
A family history or asthma or other allergies or signs of a chest or heart disease could point to the condition, and a test with a peak flow meter will show how well your lungs are working.
You may also be given a drug that will open your airways and enable the doctor to measure your lung capacity.
The problem comes when diagnosing your children who are below the age of five, as they cannot do an objective test.
In these cases, doctors check that they have all the signs of childhood asthma. If their symptoms are worse in the morning and at night, come and go and get worse when they are exposed to certain things, they are likely to have the condition.
A family history of allergy will also give the doctor a better idea and, if asthma is a possibility, they may give your child a trial treatment to see if their condition improves.
