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Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Asthma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

There are many potential causes of asthma, including genetics, allergies, and air pollution. Symptoms can vary from mild shortness of breath to severe attacks that make it difficult to breathe. Asthma is diagnosed with a physical exam and by testing lung function. Treatment typically includes a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is caused by environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, and pet dander, and by genetic factors. It is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam and may be confirmed with tests that measure how well you breathe. Treatment includes medications to open the airways and control inflammation and avoid triggers. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

The cause of asthma is not known, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Risk factors for asthma include exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, pets, and dust mites. Asthma is diagnosed based on your symptoms and by doing a breathing test called spirometry. Treatment for asthma includes using medication (such as inhalers) to open the airways and prevent attacks, as well as avoiding triggers.

Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. Asthma is typically diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history. Treatment for asthma includes medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers.

The main symptom of asthma is wheezing. This is a high-pitched sound that you hear when you breathe out. Other symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can occur at any age but it most often starts during childhood or early adulthood. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with medicines and by avoiding things that trigger an attack. Treatment options include bronchodilators (drugs that open up the airways), and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Asthma has many potential causes, including genetics, allergies, and exposure to environmental factors such as air pollution. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. A diagnosis of asthma is made based on a person's medical history and a physical examination. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for asthma; it is typically managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some people with asthma also require regular use of an inhaler to keep their symptoms under control. Living with asthma can be challenging at times, but most people can lead full and active lives if they take the necessary steps to manage their condition

The cause of asthma is not known, but it is thought to involve both environmental and genetic factors. Cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches can all trigger asthma attacks. Diagnosis of asthma is made based on medical history and physical examination. Lung function tests (spirometry) are also often done. Treatment includes medications such as bronchodilators to open the airways and steroids to reduce inflammation, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the causes and symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common causes of asthma include exposure to allergens (such as pet dander, dust mites, or pollen), respiratory infections, air pollution, and smoke. Symptoms of asthma can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options for asthma may include medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, along with lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and exercising regularly.

There is not one answer to this question as asthma can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, genetics, smoke, and fumes. However, some of the most common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment

Asthma is characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, mucous production, and remodeling. It is a common disease, affecting about 300 million people worldwide. The cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of asthma is based on symptoms and the results of pulmonary function tests. Treatment for asthma includes medications such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers, as well as lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers.

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Tuberculosis Symptoms and Treatment: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Recovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest known infectious diseases and continues to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. India accounts for a significant proportion of global TB cases, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable when detected early and managed properly.

Understanding tuberculosis symptoms and treatment is critical for reducing disease spread, preventing complications and achieving complete recovery.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other parts of the body such as:

lymph nodes
bones and joints
kidneys
brain

TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Major Health Issue

According to the World Health Organization and ICMR data:

millions of new TB cases are reported annually
delayed diagnosis increases transmission
incomplete treatment leads to drug resistance

Early detection and treatment are key to TB control.

Common Tuberculosis Symptoms

TB symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two to three weeks is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary TB.

The cough may:

be dry or productive
worsen over time
sometimes produce blood

Fever and Night Sweats

Low-grade fever, especially in the evenings, is common.

Night sweats that soak clothing or bedding are a classic TB sign.

Unexplained Weight Loss

TB increases metabolic demand and reduces appetite, leading to significant weight loss.

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness and reduced stamina occur due to chronic infection.

Chest Pain

Chest discomfort or pain may occur during coughing or breathing.

Symptoms of Extra-Pulmonary TB

When TB affects organs outside the lungs, symptoms depend on the site involved and may include:

swollen lymph nodes
bone or joint pain
headaches or neurological symptoms
urinary issues

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

Many TB symptoms resemble common infections or general weakness.

This leads to:

delayed medical consultation
prolonged transmission
disease progression

Awareness improves early detection.

How Tuberculosis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

sputum tests
chest X-ray
molecular tests such as CBNAAT
blood tests and imaging for extra-pulmonary TB

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Tuberculosis Treatment Explained

TB treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a fixed duration.

Standard TB Treatment

For drug-sensitive TB, treatment typically lasts:

6 months

The regimen includes multiple antibiotics taken in phases to ensure complete bacterial clearance.

Importance of Treatment Adherence

TB bacteria are slow-growing and resilient.

Stopping treatment early can result in:

incomplete cure
relapse
drug-resistant TB

Completing the full course is essential.

Drug-Resistant TB

If TB bacteria become resistant to standard drugs, treatment becomes longer and more complex.

Drug-resistant TB requires:

specialised medications
longer treatment duration
close medical supervision

Prevention of resistance depends on correct treatment from the start.

Side Effects of TB Treatment

Some individuals may experience side effects such as:

nausea
loss of appetite
mild liver enzyme changes

Most side effects are manageable with medical guidance and do not require stopping treatment.

TB and Public Health

TB is not just an individual health issue but a community concern.

Effective TB control requires:

early diagnosis
treatment adherence
contact tracing
public awareness

India’s national TB elimination programmes focus on these strategies.

Preventing Tuberculosis

Preventive measures include:

early detection and treatment of active TB
improving nutrition and immunity
adequate ventilation in living spaces
screening close contacts

BCG vaccination offers partial protection, especially in children.

Living With and Recovering From TB

With proper treatment:

symptoms gradually improve
infection becomes non-contagious
normal life can be resumed

Regular follow-up ensures complete recovery.

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare provider if experiencing:

cough lasting more than two weeks
unexplained weight loss
persistent fever or night sweats
blood in sputum

Early action saves lives and prevents spread.

Long-Term Outlook After TB Treatment

Most individuals who complete treatment:

recover fully
regain normal lung function
return to daily activities

Long-term complications are rare with timely care.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis symptoms and treatment must be understood clearly to combat this preventable and curable disease. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis, complete treatment adherence and regular follow-up are essential for curing TB and preventing transmission. With proper medical care and public awareness, tuberculosis can be effectively controlled and eliminated as a public health threat.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Treatment Guidelines
World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Tuberculosis Report
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – Government of India
Lancet Infectious Diseases – TB Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Infectious Disease Indicators
Statista – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Trends

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