Asthma Brisbane Northside

 

Asthma is a common condition affecting thousands of people in Brisbane and is generally managed through consultant with your local GP.

 

So What Exactly Is Asthma?

Asthma is defined as inflammation or obstruction of a person’s airways that causes a consistent cough and/ or shortness of breath.  Your chances of getting Asthma is influenced by smoking and family history of allergies.

Unfortunately, Asthma over the past 20 years has been overdiagnosed.  Some studies suggest that over 33% of cases are incorrectly diagnosed.  Why?  Sometimes the symptoms of Asthma can be very similar to that of a viral infection.  This is why it is important for your GP to monitor your symptoms over time and not to make a snap assessment.

Also, it is important to note that large percentage of children under that age of 6 will develop a wheeze in their breathing that is not related to Asthma.  Oftentimes these children are treated with an inhaler.

 

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Generally speaking, your GP will make an assessment (High, Medium and Low probability) of whether your child has Asthma or not.  Things that your GP will take into consideration when making their assessment

 

• Does the child have a dry Cough?
• Does the child wheeze when they breathe?
• Does your child have a shortness of breath?
• Do symptoms worsen at different times in the day
• Family history of allergies
• Does your child have eczema or hay fever
• Are symptoms triggered by laughing, pets or cold air

 

During the consultation, your GP will listen to the children’s chest by using a stethoscope when the child is breathing.  At this stage of assessment, the GP will be looking for a wheeze of breath.

At home tests can be purchased from your local chemist.  The Phillips flow meter is recommended and can be used for school-age children.

Another option is to use a spirometry machine.  It will measure the degree of airflow obstruction in the child.

 

How Is Asthma Treated?

• Relievers.  The most common one is a Ventolin.
• Preventers.  They prevent future asthmatic attacks.  They are classed as an oral medication (e.g., Montelukast) and inhaled steroids that are generally used for older children.

 

Your GP will explain how to use them during the consultation.  The basic method is to make sure that a seal is formed between the spacer and the mouth of your child.  Then to keep this for 5 or 6 breaths for around 20 seconds.