Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is caused by narrowing or obstruction of the airways. This happens in persons with extremely sensitive airways. Asthma is a common childhood disease of the respiratory system. It is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty in breathing. Asthma is noticed to run in families and can develop at any age. Episodes of asthma are often triggered by pollen, cigarette smoke, mold or other air-borne allergens. Physical exertion, emotional stress or certain medications too can bring on an asthma attack.
A person suffering from an asthma attack experiences wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest. There is shortness of breath and wheezing. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Blood tests and sputum studies may be coducted to aid in diagnosing asthma. Allergy prick skin testing is a diagnostic tool to confirm any allergies. Spirometers and peak flow meters are used to test and measure lung function. Spirometers measure the amount of air that passes through the airways and the rate at which they pass.
Medication for asthma can be classified as long-term asthma control and rapid relief medications. While long-term medications help in gaining control over persistent asthma, quick relief medications provide instant relief from the symptoms of an asthma attack. A bronchodilator aids in opening the airways and relieves the distress caused by an asthma attack. Corticosteroids are used to treat asthma by reducing the frequency of symptoms. But long-term use of inhaled costicosteroids may have a detrimental effect on a child'd growth. Quick-relief medications include beta-2 agonists and anticholinergenic such as Atrovent. Xolair is prescribed for those suffering from severe allergic asthma.
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.
Lung Function Test
Lung functions tests are mainly diagnostic tools that measure the various functions of the human lung. These tests help determine how your lungs are performing with regard to how well they process the air that we take in and if they are distributed well through the body. Lung volume or lung capacity is also measured through lung function tests. Other tests also help determine any physiological abnormalities of the lungs.
Lung function tests also help in the diagnosis of various respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Conditions such as chest pain and shortness of breath may also be explored through spirometry. These tests are also used to determine the effects of medication on the lungs as also to examine the lungs of those who have been affected adversely by environmental factors or work hazards (coal mine workers or those who work with chemicals for example). In many cases, fitness for surgery or a procedure might be adjudged by a lung function test. Lung function tests help in checking for conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), sarcoidosis, asthma and lung tissue scarring.
Spirometry
Spirometry is the most commonly used test to measure and evaluate lung functions, while there are several other tests that pertain to more specific diagnostic needs. In the spirometry test, lung function is observed as the patient breathes into the spirometer. The patient's nostrils are usually clipped and a tight mouth piece is used. The patient will be monitored by a trained professional and asked to breathe at various paces in order to measure various test parameters and also the capacity of the lungs.
Peak Flow Meter: This hand-held device aids in tracking breathing and is especially helpful to those suffering wheezing and asthma.
Lung diffusion capacity: This lung function test helps in gauging how effectively oxygen is passed from the lungs to the bloodstream.
Lung volume measurement: This breathing test indicates the amount of air left in your lungs after breathing out.
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