Các triệu chứng của bệnh hen suyễn không phải là rất cụ thể. Nếu nghi ngờ bệnh hen suyễn: • Có triệu chứng dai dẳng và kịch phát về đường hô hấp như vậy là khó thở, tức ngực, thở khò khè và ho, đặc biệt là nếu có một lịch sử cá nhân hay gia đình của bệnh hen suyễn; | Asthma a diagnostic challenge The symptoms of asthma are not very specific. Suspect asthma if there are persistent and paroxysmal respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea chest tightness wheezing and cough especially if there is a personal or family history of asthma There is an increased response to allergens or triggers There are recurrent respiratory symptoms suggesting an infection which is not responding to antibiotics. Confirm the variation in expiratory flow rate using an objective measurement spirometry a 12 preferably 15 or greater improvement in forced expired volume in one second FEV1 minimum 180 ml in adults 15 minutes after use of an inhaled bronchodilator or a 20 or greater improvement over time or after two weeks of inhaled corticosteroids or prednisone minimum 250 ml in adults peak flow meter a change of 20 or more over time or 15 minutes after an inhaled bronchodilator positive broncho-provocation test in a specialised laboratory. The peak flow meter Useful in the office the cost is about 50 covered by social welfare. Especially important for patients who have a poor perception of their symptoms. Airflow measurement during periods of stability to determine the baseline value helps identify the degree of deterioration. Easy to use take a deep breath and blow into the meter repeat twice. The rate should be measured in the morning and at night. The highest reading should be recorded on the chart. Verify regularly if the patient is using it correctly. Results are dependent on effort therefore less reliable than spirometry. Asthma a therapeutic challenge The goal of therapy is to control asthma see the 30-second test on asthma . When asthma is controlled FEV1 and peak flow measurements are 90 or higher than predicted values and peak expiratory flow rates do not vary more than 10 to 15 during the day. Exposure to triggers should be eliminated see box and medications used to optimise respiratory function and reduce symptoms. The continuum of asthma management
