Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Chronically inflamed airways are hyperresponsive. Airflow is limited by bronchoconstriction, mucus plugs, and increased inflammation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asthma

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Episodic breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest tightness

In patients over 5 years of age, the diagnosis of asthma can be aided by the use of objective measures such as FEV₁ (forced expiratory flow in one second) and/or PEF (peak expiratory flow). For those patients with symptoms consistent with asthma but with normal lung function, consider referring the patient to a pulmonologist for a possible methacholine challenge test.

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Once asthma is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the severity of asthma. Severity guides the use of appropriate medications.