screening for asthma

Overview

Asthma screening is a set of checks to find out if you have asthma or if your symptoms are caused by another condition. It includes questions about your health, listening to your breathing, and breathing tests that look at how well air moves in and out of your lungs. The goal is to catch asthma early so it can be managed well.

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. Screening is usually done when you have symptoms such as a cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath, not as a routine test for everyone.

Asthma can start at any age, but it often begins in childhood. It affects both boys and girls, and in adults, it can be more common in women. You can also develop asthma later in life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Coughing, especially at night or after exercise
• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of tightness in the chest

Symptoms in children

• A cough that won't go away, often worse at night
• Wheezing when they play or exercise
• Breathing quickly or using extra muscles to breathe
• Saying their chest hurts or feels heavy

Symptoms in older adults

• Losing breath easily during everyday activities
• A lingering cough that may be dry
• Feeling tired or weak because breathing is harder
• Less typical symptoms like chest discomfort or disturbed sleep

Causes

Main causes

• A family history of asthma or allergies
• Exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, or chemical fumes
• Viral lung infections, especially in early childhood
• An allergic tendency, such as eczema or hay fever

Risk factors

• A family history of asthma or allergies
• Cigarette smoke during pregnancy or early life
• Being exposed to air pollution or dust
• Obesity
• Having another allergic condition, like eczema or hay fever

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your symptoms get worse quickly
• You're using your reliever inhaler more often than before
• You can't do your usual activities because of breathing trouble

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a cough, wheeze, or breathing trouble that keeps coming back
• You want a proper diagnosis and an asthma action plan
• You need help identifying what triggers your symptoms

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms, listen to your chest, and do a test called spirometry. Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. Sometimes they also do a test to see how your airways react to a substance that can trigger narrowing. The results go with your symptom history to decide if asthma is the cause.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry (blowing into a tube attached to a machine)
• Peak flow test (a small handheld device that measures your best flow)
• Allergy tests, like skin prick tests or blood tests, if allergies are suspected
• A challenging test with a substance like methacholine (discuss with your doctor)

What to expect at your appointment

You'll be asked about your symptoms, when they happen, and your family history. Then you'll do quick breathing tests. They might ask you to take a deep breath and blow hard into a tube. It's safe and usually takes a few minutes. You may be asked back for an extra test to see if your symptoms change over time. After the tests, your doctor will talk through what the results mean and next steps.

Treatment

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling the disease and preventing symptoms. The two main types of medicines are ‘reliever’ inhalers, which work quickly to stop symptoms, and ‘preventer’ inhalers, which reduce inflammation over time. You might also get medicines in tablet form if needed. The right treatment depends on your symptoms and how severe your asthma is.

Self-care at home

• Avoid things that trigger your asthma, such as tobacco smoke or strong smells
• Use your inhaler exactly as prescribed, even if you feel well
• Follow your written asthma action plan
• Keep a diary of symptoms to spot patterns

Medical treatments

Inhaled medicines are the foundation of asthma treatment. Reliever inhalers are used for quick relief. Preventer inhalers are used daily to lower airway swelling. Some people need special inhalers that combine both, or additional tablets if control is poor. You'll work with your doctor to find the right dose and type for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for asthma. In very rare, severe cases, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty might be considered, but this is not routine. Most people with asthma control it well with medicines and lifestyle changes.

Living with this condition

Managing asthma becomes part of daily life. With a good treatment plan, you can do almost everything you want to do. You'll keep in touch with your healthcare team and adjust your plan if your symptoms change. You might also learn to check your breathing with a peak flow meter at home.

Lifestyle tips

• Exercise regularly to strengthen your lungs
• If you smoke, ask for support to quit
• Avoid smoke and strong fumes
• Get good sleep and reduce stress
• Stay up to date with your medicines and check with your pharmacist periodically

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet supports your overall health. Regular exercise is good for you and can help you feel more in control. If cold air triggers your symptoms, a warm-up before going outside can help. Always carry your reliever inhaler (if prescribed) when you exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with asthma can sometimes feel stressful or worrying. You might fear a bad attack. That's normal. Talking to your doctor about your concerns, or joining an asthma support group, can help. Remember, many people with asthma live full, active lives.

Prevention

We don't yet know how to prevent asthma from developing. But you can definitely reduce the chance of flare-ups and serious attacks by following your treatment plan and avoiding your known triggers. Good overall health and not smoking also help.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with vaccinations, especially the flu vaccine, is recommended because infections can trigger severe asthma attacks. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines you should have.

Screening programmes

There's no population-wide screening for asthma in most countries. But if you have symptoms, a screening test can give you a clear diagnosis. Early detection means early treatment and better breathing.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent severe attacks that require emergency care
• Permanent narrowing of the airways, making breathing hard
• Missed school or work because of uncontrolled symptoms
• Poor sleep and reduced quality of life

Long-term outlook

The outlook for asthma is excellent. With the right medicines and a good plan, most people can keep symptoms under control and live normally. Even if you have attacks, they can often be prevented. It's something you can manage with your healthcare team, not a barrier to a full life.

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