Asthma is a condition that affects the airways- the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, the airways become over-sensitive, and narrow, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Asthma Care
The majority of people with asthma are prescribed a daily preventer inhaler to protect against an asthma attack and a reliever inhaler to use when symptoms occur.
It is extremely important that preventer medication is taken regularly, as prescribed and even when asthma symptoms are not present.
There is no single test to diagnosis asthma. Your GP will make the diagnosis based on
• A family history of asthma, if there is one.
• The pattern and frequency of symptoms.
• A physical chest examination.
• Peak flow readings (Children over 6 years old) or a lung function test (adults).
• A trial of asthma treatment
The asthma clinic at Inishowen Medical will check the patient in the following areas:
• Response to treatment
• Need for changes in treatment
• Inhaler technique
• Advice on how to deal with changes in symptoms
• Emergency planning
For further information on asthma please take a look at the asthma society website www.asthma.ie
If you have any further queries or want to make an appointment for an asthma review please contact us.
