GP Reveals How to Identify a Cough That Could Be Hidden Asthma
A prominent general practitioner has provided detailed insights into how asthma is diagnosed and the various symptoms individuals might experience. This guidance comes as Asthma and Lung UK statistics indicate that approximately 7.2 million people in the United Kingdom have asthma, which translates to roughly eight out of every one hundred individuals.
Dr Suraj Kukadia, widely known as Dr Sooj, emphasised that while asthma symptoms can evolve over time, several common patterns often emerge. Addressing the question of whether a cough could be asthma in disguise via a TikTok video, he explained: "Asthma is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, patterns, and objective testing."
Recognising Asthma Symptoms and Patterns
Dr Sooj elaborated that patients frequently describe episodes characterised by chest tightness, breathlessness, wheezing, or even coughing. He highlighted a phenomenon known as diurnal variation, where symptoms typically worsen during the night and early morning hours.
"Symptoms can also exacerbate after exercise due to cold air exposure, viral infections, or even dust, which acts as a trigger for some individuals," he noted. "However, the defining characteristic is variability. Symptoms tend to come and go, and lung function can fluctuate over time. To confirm an asthma diagnosis, we must assess how the lungs behave under different conditions."
Official NHS Diagnosis and Management Procedures
The National Health Service outlines that diagnosing asthma initially involves answering questions about symptoms, potentially followed by a straightforward breathing test and, in some cases, a blood test. Patients might also be provided with a peak flow meter device to use at home for several weeks, enabling monitoring of lung function.
As Dr Sooj pointed out, the variable nature of symptoms means that asthma can sometimes take a considerable period to diagnose accurately. Nevertheless, if asthma is considered probable, patients may be offered medication to help alleviate their symptoms.
The NHS further states: "If you have asthma, you will be supported by a care team that may include a GP, nurse, or sometimes a specialist hospital doctor. Your care team will explain how and when to use your medicines, how to monitor your asthma, ways to avoid triggers and reduce symptoms, and what to do if symptoms worsen."
This information is recorded in an asthma action plan, which patients should bring to all asthma-related appointments. Individuals receive either a printed or digital copy, or both. Annual check-ups are recommended to evaluate treatment effectiveness, including verifying correct inhaler usage and updating the asthma action plan as necessary.
Family History and Associated Conditions
In his TikTok discussion, Dr Sooj also stressed the importance of medical history. "We know that asthma often runs in families and is frequently grouped with conditions like eczema and hay fever," he said. "These three atopic conditions commonly occur within families, and while you may not have all of them, you might experience one or two. It is beneficial to check with siblings and parents to see if anyone else has these illnesses."
Primary Asthma Symptoms Overview
The primary symptoms of asthma are typically linked to breathing difficulties. The NHS lists four key symptoms on its website:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually appear intermittently. Although asthma often begins in childhood, it can develop at any age. For additional information, individuals are encouraged to consult the NHS website directly.
