Summary
- Patients present with recurrent episodes of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing.
- Examination typically demonstrates an expiratory wheeze; however, in severe asthma there is poor air entry and the chest is silent.
- Treatment is step-wise based on symptoms. Patients need to monitor their peak expiratory flow daily, and to be aware of the warning signs of a severe attack.
- Some patients may develop progressive, irreversible obstructive lung disease.
Other related conditions
- Acute asthma exacerbation in adults
- Acute asthma exacerbation in children
- Asthma in children
- Occupational asthma
- Overview of COPD
- COPD
- Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure
- Acute sinusitis
- Croup
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Assessment of hoarseness and dysphonia
- Atopic dermatitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
- Chronic sinusitis
- Common cold
- Cystic fibrosis
- Foreign body aspiration
- Influenza infection
- Mycoplasma infection
- Nasal polyps
- Obesity in adults
- Oral candidiasis
- Smoking cessation
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute bronchitis
- Non-allergic rhinitis
- Chronic congestive heart failure
- Allergic rhinitis
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Last updated: Jan 23, 2013
