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Published on: Apr 30, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Is PET Scan ?

A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look for changes in the function of cells and tissues. A tracer is a substance that is introduced into the body to make it easier to see certain areas or organs. The radioactive tracer used in PET scans emits positrons, which are tiny particles that collide with electrons in the body. This creates gamma rays that can be detected by a scanner and used to create images of the inside of the body. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer because tumor cells typically have higher levels of activity than normal cells. They can also be used to check for treatment response, measure tumor size, and identify new tumors.

PET Scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to look for disease in the body. A PET Scan can show how well organs and tissues are working. It can help find cancer, heart problems, and other diseases. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat diseases. PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to help physicians see how organs and tissues are functioning. The radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's body and travels to the organ or tissue being studied. Physicians can then see where the tracer collects on an image of the organ or tissue.

A PET scan is helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and other diseases. It can also help determine how well treatment is working. PET Scan is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of radioactive material to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. A PET scanner creates 3D images of the inside of the body. PET (positron emission tomography) scans use a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer to help doctors see certain areas of the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

PET scans are often used to find cancer because tumors absorb more of the radioactive material than normal tissue does. PET scans can also be used to measure blood flow, check how well drugs work, and see how active the brain is. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to look at the function and structure of organs and tissues in your body. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream and then scanned by a special camera. The camera creates pictures that show where the material has collected. This can help doctors see how well an organ is working or find tumors or other problems.

PET scan is short for positron emission tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organ function or tissue metabolism. The tracer is a small amount of radioactive material that's injected into the patient's bloodstream. It collects in organs and tissues, and a scanner detects the radiation emitted as it decays. This information is used to create cross-sectional images of the body that show how the organs and tissues are working. PET scans are most often used to detect cancer because tumors consume more energy than normal tissue and therefore have a higher metabolic rate. But they can also be used to evaluate other problems, such as heart disease, brain function, and joint damage.

PET scanning is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. A small amount of radioactive glucose (FDG) is injected into a vein and images are taken as the glucose moves through the body. Cancer cells use more energy than normal cells and therefore absorb more of the radioactive glucose. This allows tumors to be visualized on the scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan is a medical imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organs and tissues inside the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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