Breathlessness can be more than just a fleeting discomfort—it may signal an underlying health condition such as asthma, which affects around eight in every 100 people in the UK. Dr Suraj Kukadia, popularly known as Dr Sooj, offers valuable insight into the diagnosis and symptoms of asthma, shedding light on a condition that currently impacts 7.2 million UK residents, according to Asthma and Lung UK.
Asthma diagnosis relies on a combination of symptom history, pattern analysis, and objective lung function tests. Dr Sooj explains that people commonly experience episodes characterized by a tight chest, breathlessness, wheezing, or coughing. These symptoms often worsen during the night and early morning, a pattern known as diurnal variation. Triggers such as exercise, exposure to cold air, viral infections, and dust exposure can also exacerbate symptoms.
One hallmark of asthma is its variability—symptoms and lung function can fluctuate over time. Because of this, diagnosis sometimes requires ongoing monitoring. The NHS recommends starting with a detailed discussion about symptoms, followed by simple breathing tests and occasionally blood tests. Patients may use a peak flow meter at home for several weeks to track lung function.
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Treatment begins once asthma is diagnosed or strongly suspected, often involving prescribed medication to ease symptoms. Care doesn’t stop there; an asthma care team—including GPs, nurses, and specialist doctors—helps patients manage their condition by explaining medication use, monitoring techniques, and strategies to avoid triggers.
An essential component of asthma management is the asthma action plan, a personalized guide that outlines treatment steps and emergency responses. Patients receive a printed or digital copy and should attend annual check-ups to ensure their plan is current and inhalers are used correctly.
Asthma often runs in families and is commonly associated with other related conditions like eczema and hay fever. Checking family medical histories can help identify atopic illnesses and guide early management.
The NHS highlights that asthma’s main symptoms involve breathing difficulties, which can range from mild to severe and typically come and go. Although asthma frequently begins in childhood, it can develop at any age. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical advice can improve quality of life and reduce complications.