Hi, Most children under the age of 5 years cannot perform spirometry or peak flow readings which are the tools used in diagnosing asthma; a diagnosis is therefore made on the probability of asthma on clinical assessment. The following are clinical features that increase the probability of asthma, ta...

Hi Tom, Sorry to read that you are experiencing breathing problems. Have you had a lung function test or been asked to keep a record of home peak flow readings, as the outcome of these would assist in making a diagnosis? The fact that you react when you are in contact with cats does indicate that yo...

Hi Kamap, Asthma may still cause fear when people are first diagnosed with it, but this should no longer be so. In the last 40 years medical science has come along way in the treatment of asthma, and if you are on the right medication asthma should be controlled, and symptoms will be few if any. Ast...

Hi JohnyBoy, I hope you have managed to see your GP, and that he has been able to allay your fears. The good thing is that you have stopped smoking Marijuana thus reducing the risk of developing emphysema. Peak flow meters manufactured after 2004 should all read the same. Peak flow meters produced b...

Hi Gabriella, Oral thrush can be a problem when using a steroid inhaler, more so when taking high doses; taking a steroid inhaler via a spacer considerably reduces this risk. You are doing the right thing by rinsing your mouth after using the inhaler. If you are not already doing so, try using a spa...

Hi Jessid, I hope that by now you are feeling better and that your peak flow is back to normal. Have you been given a follow up appointment at the hospital? It is important that someone monitors your asthma to make sure you do not suffer a further serious asthma attack in the future. You do not say ...

In view of the asthma symptoms you are still experiencing, I would suggest that you ask your GP to refer you to an asthma specialist.

Asthma can get worse if someone is also suffering with hay fever, it is therefore important to try and get hay fever symptoms under control. Antihistamines and/or a steroid nasal spray may do the trick. If symptoms persist it is as well to see your GP. He may prescribe a medication known as a leukot...

I do hope that by now you are fully recovered from your chest infection, and that your peak flow is back to normal. It is difficult to say exactly how long it will take for a peak flow to return to normal after a chest infection, but if it were not improving daily or you were concerned, it would be ...

High doses of inhaled steroid can be responsible for causing oral thrush. Taking the inhaled medication via a spacer does reduce this problem as it prevents the dose hitting the tongue or back of the throat. Rinsing the mouth out with water is also recommended after taking a steroid inhaler. Taking ...