How to check for bronchial asthma?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Patients primarily exhibit symptoms of episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which usually can be relieved with or without medication. Typically, during an attack, there is wheezing and audible stridor. A diagnosis can usually be made based on symptoms and medical history, as well as physical examination. However, for atypical patients, further tests may be necessary. Generally, the main tests for asthma patients are pulmonary function tests, which include provocation tests and relaxation tests, as well as the 24-hour peak expiratory flow variability. These tests are helpful for the definitive diagnosis of bronchial asthma.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Bronchial asthma needs attention

In clinical settings, bronchial asthma is mostly allergic asthma. Therefore, in terms of diet, attention should be paid to avoiding foods like fish, shrimp, chili peppers, and other foods that are likely to trigger allergies. Instead, consume more bland, soft, and easily digestible foods. Regular physical exercise should also be performed, especially outdoor aerobic and endurance exercises, to enhance the body's immune capabilities. Furthermore, during the flu season or the pollen-heavy spring season, going outdoors should be avoided to prevent triggering asthma attacks. It is advisable to check for allergies to specific substances and avoid contact with them thereafter.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Bronchial asthma X-ray manifestations

Bronchial asthma is primarily caused by inflammation in the airways due to various inflammatory cells, leading to the narrowing and spasm of the bronchi. This impedes the effective expulsion of gases from the lungs through the bronchi, resulting in a disease characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. In patients with bronchial asthma, because of a large amount of gas remaining in the lungs, X-ray manifestations primarily include sparse lung markings, increased translucency, as well as some signs of widened intercostal spaces and lowered diaphragm. Generally, these signs are not specific and cannot be solely relied upon to diagnose or exclude bronchial asthma. It is also necessary to consider the patient's medical history and lung function tests for a comprehensive assessment.

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Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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How to check for bronchial asthma?

If there is a suspicion of having bronchial asthma, a series of tests will be carried out at the hospital, mainly including: First, complete blood count, especially focusing on whether there is an increase in eosinophils, to determine the presence of eosinophilic allergic inflammation. Second, imaging of the lungs, including chest X-ray or CT to determine whether there are any specific lesions in the lungs. Third, pulmonary ventilation function and bronchodilation tests, or bronchial provocation tests. Pulmonary function is a gold standard for diagnosing bronchial asthma, often indicating the presence of obstructive ventilation dysfunction. A positive bronchodilation test or provocation test can help in confirming bronchial asthma.

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Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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What foods are good to eat for bronchial asthma?

What food bronchial asthma patients eat is a question with much consideration. Foods that bronchial asthma patients should avoid mainly fall into two categories: First is allergens. If a patient has previously had an allergy to certain foods, is suspected to be allergic, or has family members who are allergic to a particular food, then they should avoid eating it. Also, common allergens like small fish, shrimp, and seafood should be avoided, especially during asthma attacks. The second category is spicy and irritating foods, which should also be avoided. Therefore, the primary focus should be on eating light, easily digestible foods, and sticking to foods that are commonly eaten, avoiding those that have not been tried before. Moreover, if a food is known to potentially cause allergies after medication, it should not be consumed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
50sec home-news-image

How to check for bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Patients primarily exhibit symptoms of episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which usually can be relieved with or without medication. Typically, during an attack, there is wheezing and audible stridor. A diagnosis can usually be made based on symptoms and medical history, as well as physical examination. However, for atypical patients, further tests may be necessary. Generally, the main tests for asthma patients are pulmonary function tests, which include provocation tests and relaxation tests, as well as the 24-hour peak expiratory flow variability. These tests are helpful for the definitive diagnosis of bronchial asthma.