asthma screening test preparation

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs). In asthma, these airways become narrow and swollen, making it harder to breathe. An asthma screening test helps find out if someone has asthma or if their asthma is well controlled.

Yes, asthma is very common. Millions of people around the world have asthma, including many children and adults.

Asthma can affect people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. It often starts in childhood but can also develop in adults. Some people may have a family history of asthma or allergies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe out)
• Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain

Symptoms in children

• Frequent coughing that gets worse with colds or exercise
• Trouble sleeping because of coughing or wheezing
• Tiredness during play or school activities
• Complaints of chest or tummy pain

Symptoms in older adults

• Shortness of breath during daily activities (like walking or climbing stairs)
• Wheezing that may be mistaken for other conditions
• Coughing that lasts longer than usual after a cold
• Fatigue from poor sleep due to breathing problems

Causes

Main causes

• In asthma, the airways are very sensitive and react to certain triggers.
• Common triggers include allergies (like pollen, dust mites, pet dander), cold air, exercise, smoke, or respiratory infections.
• The immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma or allergies (eczema, hay fever)
• Being exposed to tobacco smoke or air pollution as a child
• Having had frequent respiratory infections in early childhood
• Being born with a low birth weight or being premature

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child have any emergency symptoms (see above) call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have severe breathing trouble that does not get better with your usual treatment.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a cough that won't go away, wheezing, or shortness of breath that lasts more than a few days.
• If you think you or your child might have asthma and want to get tested.
• If you have asthma and your symptoms are getting worse or your medications do not seem to work as well.

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of asthma or allergies. They will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope. To confirm asthma, they will usually do a breathing test called spirometry.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry - You blow into a tube as hard and fast as you can to measure how much air you can breathe out and how quickly.
• Peak flow test - You blow into a small handheld device to measure how fast you can breathe out. This can be done at home.
• FeNO test - You breathe into a machine that measures nitric oxide in your breath, a sign of airway inflammation.
• Allergy tests (skin prick or blood test) - To check for common allergic triggers.

What to expect at your appointment

For spirometry, you will be asked to take a deep breath and then blow out forcefully into a tube. The test is painless but may make you feel a little short of breath for a moment. Do not smoke or use your inhaler (unless your doctor says otherwise) for a few hours before the test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. The whole visit usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Treatment

Asthma is managed with a combination of avoiding triggers and using medications to keep airways open and reduce inflammation. Treatment is tailored to each person's needs and severity.

Self-care at home

• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers (e.g., dust, smoke, pollen, strong smells).
• Keep a symptom diary to track when and how often symptoms occur.
• Use a peak flow meter at home to monitor your breathing.
• Follow your asthma action plan (a written plan from your doctor for managing symptoms).

Medical treatments

Treatment usually involves daily controller medications to prevent symptoms and a reliever inhaler for quick relief during attacks. Inhaled medications are the most common. Treatment is adjusted based on how well asthma is controlled. For severe asthma, there are other options like biologic therapies or oral medications, but these are prescribed only by a specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for asthma itself. However, in rare cases, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty may be considered for severe asthma that does not respond to other treatments. This is only done by a specialist after careful assessment.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma means being aware of your triggers and keeping your medications handy. Many people with asthma can do everything others do, including sports and travel, especially if they manage their condition well.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Keep your home clean and free of dust and mold.
• Use dust-mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Get a flu shot every year (ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine as well).
• Exercise regularly - but warm up slowly and use your reliever inhaler if advised.

Diet and exercise

A healthy, balanced diet is good for overall health but does not cure asthma. Some people find that certain foods (like dairy or sulfites) trigger symptoms, so it can help to keep a food diary. Exercise is encouraged, but if exercise triggers your asthma, talk to your doctor about pre-treatment with a reliever inhaler.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition like asthma can sometimes cause stress, anxiety, or depression. Worrying about attacks can be hard. It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Ways to cope include deep breathing, staying connected with friends, and joining a support group. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.

Prevention

Asthma cannot always be prevented, especially if there is a strong family history. However, you may reduce the risk by avoiding smoking during pregnancy and keeping young children away from smoke and air pollution. Early treatment of allergies might also help.

Vaccines

Getting recommended vaccines, like the annual flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccine, can help prevent respiratory infections that can trigger asthma attacks. Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Screening for asthma is recommended if you or your child have symptoms that could be asthma. There is no routine screening for everyone, but if you have a family history or other risk factors, talk to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent asthma attacks that can be severe and lead to hospital stays.
• Permanent narrowing of the airways (remodeling) over time.
• Poor sleep, fatigue, and missed school or work.
• Stress on the heart and lungs, leading to other health problems.

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and a good management plan, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. Asthma does not have to stop you from doing the things you enjoy. The key is to work closely with your doctor and follow your plan.

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