Do I Have Asthma? What Do I Do Now?
By Pat Bass, About.com Guide to Asthma
Wondering whether you or your child have asthma can be really scary. You don't feel well and you may not be sure what to do. Learn about the symptoms of asthma and other problems that cause similar symptoms, but may not be asthma. Read about common tests and what to expect if your doctor orders them. Importantly, you also need to learn how to prevent your symptoms and improve communication with your doctor to get your asthma under control. Finally, learning about the different types of asthma can help you better understand what you need to do gain control of your asthma symptoms.
- Asthma Symptoms: Is It Asthma?
- Asthma Diagnosis
- Preventing Asthma Symptoms
- Working With Your Doctor
- Asthma Types
Asthma Symptoms: Is It Asthma?
Not all that wheezes is asthma is a common adage taught to young doctors in training. Having said that, most patients who present with typical signs and symptoms of asthma do not have some rare or uncommon disease. Learn about the common symptoms of asthma and some of the not so common diseases that may mimic asthma.
- Asthma Symptoms- What You Need to Know
- Wheezing Is a Common Adult Symptom
- Wheezing Is a Classic Symptom of Childhood Asthma
- 5 Conditions to Consider if Your Asthma Is Worsening
- Is Your Chest Wheezing Asthma?
- Other Causes of Wheezing
- Symptom Checker-Understand Your Symptoms and What They Could Mean
- How Do I Know If I Have Asthma?
- How Do I Know if My Child has Asthma?
- How Well Is Your Asthma Controlled?
- How Well Is Your Child's Asthma Controlled?
Asthma Diagnosis
Diagnosing asthma is not always easy. Learn about common tests your doctor may perform to help diagnose asthma.
- Diagnosing Asthma: Getting a Diagnosis of Asthma Is Not Always Easy
- Diagnostic Tests Used in Asthma
- Why Is a Peak Flow Meter Important?
- How Do I Use a Peak Flow Meter?
- Using Spirometry to Diagnose Asthma
- What is Bronchoprovocation Challenge Testing?
Preventing Asthma Symptoms
Knowing what makes your asthma symptoms worse is very important. If you can avoid the things that trigger your asthma, you may not need as much medicine and will probably feel better.
Working With Your Doctor
While you need to learn as much as you can about asthma, your doctor needs to be your partner. Learn how to improve communication with your doctor and ask your doctor about getting more information.
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- User Answers- Choosing Your Doctor
- What Is a Health Information Prescription?
Asthma Types
Did you know that there are several different types of asthma? Understanding what type of asthma you have may help you prevent asthma symptoms and take more effective steps to treat your asthma.
