Asthma, also known as Bronchial Asthma, is a disease that affects the lungs. It is a chronic (ongoing)
condition in which the airways are narrow, swollen and blocked by excess mucus. This can make
breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing when breathing in and out and shortness of breath.
Asthma cannot be cured but symptoms can be controlled. There are two types of asthma: Intermittent
Asthma and Persistent Asthma.

The causes of asthma are allergies, environmental factors and genetic factors. Asthma can be triggered
by airborne allergens, respiratory infections, physical activities, pests, cold air, pollutants, certain
medications, stress, certain preservatives and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The risk factors of asthma include having a blood relative with asthma, having another allergic reaction, being overweight, excessive smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, occupational triggers and pollution.
Signs and symptoms of asthma are loud / faster than normal breathing, frequent coughing, limited
participation in physical activities, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing when
inhaling and sleeping difficulties.

Laboratory diagnosis of asthma includes Allergy Tests, Lung Function Tests (spirometry, peak flow meter
test, challenge test and nitric oxide test), Arterial Blood Gas, Pulse Oximetry, and Serum and Sputum
Examination.

Prevention and maintenance of asthma are vaccination for influenza and pneumonia, identifying and
avoiding asthma triggers, monitoring breathing, identifying and treating attacks early and following
asthma action plans/medication.

At MedBioTechLab, we offer accurate laboratory tests for bronchial asthma.

References:
my.clevelandclinic.org
www.mayoclinic.org
www.webmd.com
www.wikidoc.org