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Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that needs to be managed so as to reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. Asthma is a condition where the aiwarys to the lungs are swollen. This causes less air to get to the lungs thereby leading to chest tightness, difficulty in breathing and wheezing. During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes become so narrow that the vital organs may be starved of sufficient oxygen. It can become life-threatening. Most often the cause of asthma is environmental or genetic. It tends to run in families. Some people develop sensitivity to environmental allergens or pollutants.

Signs of an impending asthma attack are disturbed sleep due to wheezing, and pain or tight feeling in the chest. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may trigger an asthma attack or worsen an asthma attack. Asthma is diagnosed with a physical examination and detailed medical history. Pulmonary function tests aid in determining the movement of air into the airways. A spirometer is used to measure the narrowing of the bronchial tubes.

Bronchodilators are prescribed to dilate the airways thereby helping the patient. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are inhaled to help prevent blood vessels from leaking fluid into the airway tissues. Sometimes the patient may need medical attention. An oxygen mask may be given to a patient during that time. Beta-agonist medicines might be administered through a face mask or nebulizer. IV dose of beta agonist medication may be given in very severe cases.

Immunologist

An Immunologist can be described as a medical specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and treat diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system. Immunologists are highly qualified and trained to treat immune system disorders such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunologists and allergy specialists undergo similar training as with any other medical specialists. After completion of four years of premedical education at a college or university, they receive atleast four years of medical school education. After receiving general training in internal medicine, they receive additional training in immunology and allergy areas. Immunologists are involved in a gamut of work areas, in hospitals, private practice, diagnostic immunology laboratories, research centers and industrial houses. The medical immunologist or allergy specialist primarily identifies and treats the diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system.

Patients are referred by a general physician for further diagnosis, confirmation and management of clinical disorders of the immune system.

Patients seeking the advice of an immunologist for education regarding disorders of the immune system.

Patients suffering from life threatening allergies such as anaphylaxis.

When food or occupational allergy is suspected, the patient is referred to an immunologist.

When a physician contemplates immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases, the patient is sent to the immunologist.

Patients suffering from asthma exhibiting continuing poor control despite regular use of asthma medication.

Patients with unexplained inflammation such as fevers of unknown origin, unexplained fevers, weight loss.

For investigation of recurrent or unusual opportunistic infections.

PFT

PFT (Pulmonary fucntion test) refers to one or different types of tests that are conducted on a patient to assess the condition of his lungs and their efficiency in transfering oxygen to the blood. PFT aids in measuring occupational hazards of exposure to contaminants such as asbestos or radon. It helps monitor of disease treatment.

Spirometry is a vital PFT that measures how well the lungs exhale. This diagnostic test is prescribed for patients suffering from asthma or COPD. This tests involves breathing into a mouthpiece that is connected to a spirometer. The amount of air and rate of exhalation are measured over a specific time.

Lung volume measurement test can aid detection of restrictive lung diseases. Such patients are often unable to inhale normal volumes of air due to inflammation or scarring of lung tissue. This PFT can be done as a body plethysmograph.

Gas diffusion test measures the amount of oxygen and other gases that are absorbed into your body from your lungs.

Inhalation challenge test aids in identifying possible allergens that can cause asthma or severe respiratory allergy. Other tests to measure lung function include residual volume, gas diffusion tests, body plethysmography, inhalation challenge tests, and exercise stress tests.

Patients scheduled for PFT must restrain from use of bronchodilators or inhaler medications for few hours prior to the test. Patients are advised not to eat a heavy meal or smoke for a few hours prior to the PFT. Typical normal values for pulmonary function tests are based on the age, height, ethnicity, and sex of the person being tested. Factors such history of smoking, wheezing and obesity can affect results of PFT. Pulmonary function tests are not advised for patients who have recently suffered heart attack.