Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness. Evaluation may involve symptom assessment and lung function testing. Treatment commonly includes inhaled medicines, trigger management, inhaler technique education and regular monitoring to maintain symptom control.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term respiratory condition associated with persistent airflow limitation. Symptoms may include breathlessness, chronic cough and mucus production. Management can include smoking cessation, prescribed inhaled medications, vaccination, pulmonary rehabilitation and monitoring for exacerbations or complications.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms may include prolonged cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Diagnosis involves appropriate laboratory testing and chest imaging. Treatment requires a recommended combination of anti-tuberculosis medicines for the prescribed duration, with adherence and monitoring.
Respiratory infections affect the airways or lungs and may cause fever, cough, chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Assessment focuses on identifying the likely cause and severity. Treatment may involve supportive care, specific medicines or hospital evaluation for severe infections. Antibiotics are used when clinically indicated.
Lung function testing evaluates airflow, lung capacity and other measurements of respiratory performance. These investigations can help diagnose obstructive airway diseases, assess respiratory symptoms and monitor response to treatment. Test selection depends on the clinical question, patient characteristics and available diagnostic facilities.
Spirometry measures how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly they can exhale. It is commonly used when evaluating asthma and COPD. Results may be compared before and after bronchodilator medication to assess airflow limitation and reversibility.
A chronic cough in adults generally persists for more than eight weeks. Possible causes include asthma, upper airway conditions, medication effects, reflux and certain lung diseases. Evaluation involves reviewing symptoms, medical history and relevant tests to identify the underlying cause before choosing treatment.
Wheezing and breathlessness may result from asthma, COPD, infections or other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Clinical evaluation can include oxygen measurement, chest examination, spirometry and imaging when appropriate. Persistent or worsening symptoms require assessment to determine the cause and necessary treatment.
Obstructive airway diseases reduce normal airflow through the lungs and may cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Diagnosis commonly relies on symptom history and lung function tests. Management depends on the specific disease and may include inhaled medication, lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring.
Pneumonia is an infection involving lung tissue that may cause fever, productive cough, chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Clinical evaluation may include examination, oxygen saturation measurement and chest imaging. Treatment depends on the likely organism, disease severity and individual medical risk factors.
Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial airways and may cause persistent coughing and mucus production. Acute bronchitis is often viral, while recurring symptoms may require evaluation for asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and appropriate symptom management.
Respiratory follow-up involves reviewing symptoms, treatment response and relevant lung function measurements. Patients with asthma, COPD or recurrent infections may benefit from periodic assessment and treatment adjustments. Follow-up can also help identify complications, check inhaler technique and determine whether further investigations are needed.