intermittent asthma

Intermittent Asthma: A Type of Asthma Characterized by Infrequent Symptoms

Intermittent asthma, also known as mild intermittent asthma, is a type of asthma that affects individuals who experience symptoms on no more than 2 days per week and nightly flares on no more than 2 nights per month [1]. This form of asthma has very little impact on daily life and is considered the mildest form of asthma.

Key Characteristics:

• Symptoms occur less than twice a week, with normal peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) between exacerbations [5].
• Nocturnal symptoms occur less than twice a month.
• Asthma flares are infrequent, but when they occur, they can be severe.
• Individuals may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing during asthma attacks [2][6].

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling (a common sign of asthma in children)
• Trouble sleeping due to nighttime symptoms

Intermittent asthma is often misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead a normal life.

References:

[1] Intermittent asthma is the mildest form of asthma and has very little impact on your daily life. Severity indicators without treatment: Icon: Daytime Symptoms [3]

[2] The general symptoms of asthma include: Difficulty breathing; Wheezing; Chest tightness; Coughing [7]

[3] Intermittent asthma is the mildest form of asthma and has very little impact on your daily life. Severity indicators without treatment: Icon: Daytime Symptoms [4]

[4] Healthcare providers identify asthma as: Intermittent: This type of asthma comes and goes so you can feel normal in between asthma flares [4]

[5] Mild intermittent asthma causes symptoms less than twice a week, with normal PEFR between exacerbations. Nocturnal symptoms occur less than twice a month, and ... [5]

[6] Asthma is considered intermittent if without treatment any of the following are true: Symptoms (difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing): [6]

[7] Jan 24, 2021 — Symptoms of Intermittent Asthma. The general symptoms of asthma include:2. Difficulty breathing; Wheezing; Chest tightness; Coughing [8]

Intermittent Asthma Signs and Symptoms

Asthma, including its intermittent form, can manifest in various ways. The symptoms may vary from person to person but generally include:

• Wheezing: A whistling sound when you breathe, which is a common symptom of asthma.
• Coughing: This can be a dry cough or one that produces mucus, and it's often worse at night or after exercise.
• Chest tightness or pain: Feeling like your chest is constricted or experiencing pain in the chest area.
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or feeling winded even when you're not exerting yourself.
• Phlegm production: Experiencing excess mucus, which can be a sign that your airways are inflamed.

According to medical sources [6], intermittent asthma is characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, phlegm production, and difficulty breathing at least twice a week. These symptoms may not be present every day but occur frequently enough to impact daily life.

In terms of severity, intermittent asthma falls under the category of mild persistent asthma [7]. This means that symptoms are experienced more than two times a week but less than once a day, with nighttime symptoms occurring fewer than twice a month.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency from person to person. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [6] - Symptoms and signs include dyspnea, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing. The diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests. [7] - Step 1 – mild intermittent asthma. Symptoms fewer than two times a week · Experiences nighttime symptoms fewer than twice a month ; Step 2 – mild persistent ...

Diagnosing Intermittent Asthma: A Closer Look at Diagnostic Tests

Intermittent asthma, also known as mild asthma, is a type of asthma that is characterized by symptoms that occur only occasionally. Diagnosing intermittent asthma can be challenging, but various diagnostic tests can help confirm the condition.

Physical Exam and Medical History A physical exam and medical history are essential in diagnosing intermittent asthma. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, and perform a physical exam to check for nasal inflammation and listen to your lungs [8]. This information helps doctors understand the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Lung Function Tests Lung function tests are another crucial diagnostic tool for intermittent asthma. These tests measure how well your lungs are working by assessing lung capacity and airflow [2][6]. Spirometry, a type of lung function test, estimates the narrowing of bronchial tubes by checking how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how fast [4].

Challenge Tests Challenge tests, such as the Methacholine challenge test, are used to confirm an asthma diagnosis. These tests involve inhaling a substance that triggers symptoms in people with asthma [5]. Challenge tests help doctors determine whether your symptoms are caused by asthma or another condition.

Other Diagnostic Tests Other diagnostic tests, such as FeNo testing and trigger tests, can also be used to diagnose intermittent asthma. These tests measure the level of inflammation in your airways and identify triggers that cause symptoms [6].

In summary, diagnosing intermittent asthma requires a combination of physical exams, medical history, lung function tests, challenge tests, and other diagnostic tests. By using these tools, doctors can confirm an asthma diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

References:

[1] Not provided (no relevant information)

[2] May 11, 2023 — Lung function tests are a way to check how well your lungs are working. Doctors use them to diagnose asthma and to monitor its progression.

[3] Not provided (no relevant information)

[4] Apr 6, 2024 — Spirometry. This test estimates the narrowing of your bronchial tubes by checking how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how fast ...

[5] Learn "How is Asthma Diagnosed" through patient history, physical exam and other tests such as FeNo testing and the Methacholine challenge test.

[6] Lung function tests measure your breathing to diagnose asthma. Learn about some common tests, like spirometry, peak flow, trigger tests and more.

[7] Not provided (no relevant information)

[8] To diagnose asthma, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms and any other health problems.

[9] Apr 28, 2022 — To diagnose asthma, a doctor will assess symptoms, perform a physical exam, and check medical history. A range of breathing tests can show how ...

Treatment Options for Intermittent Asthma

Intermittent asthma, also known as mild intermittent asthma, requires effective management to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. The primary goal is to use medications that are easy to administer and have a rapid onset of action.

• Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): These inhalers, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), are considered first-line therapy for intermittent asthmatics. They provide quick relief from symptoms by relaxing the airway muscles and increasing airflow to the lungs [4].
• Inhaled corticosteroids: While not typically used daily, inhaled corticosteroids can be effective as-needed medications for mild intermittent asthma. These anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling in the airways and are often recommended for patients who use SABAs more than twice a week [2].

Additional Treatment Options

• Cromolyn: This medication is an alternative therapy that can be used to prevent symptoms in some individuals with mild intermittent asthma.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists: These medications, such as montelukast, are another option for patients who do not respond well to SABAs or inhaled corticosteroids.

Key Recommendations

• The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommends treating patients with mild intermittent asthma using as-needed inhaled corticosteroids with short-acting beta2-agonists [5].
• International guidelines suggest using low-dose inhaled corticosteroids as the primary therapy, with cromolyn or leukotriene receptor antagonists as alternative options [8].

Medications for Mild Intermittent Asthma

The following medications are commonly used to treat mild intermittent asthma:

• Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
• Beclomethasone
• Budesonide
• Ciclesonide
• Fluticasone
• Mometasone

These medications can be effective in controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations when used as directed. It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs.

References:

[1] Not provided (no relevant information)

[2] by N Shahidi · 2010 · Cited by 33

[3] Not provided (no relevant information)

[4] Jun 18, 2019

[5] by KS Elward · 2021 · Cited by 7

[6] Not provided (no relevant information)

[7] Sep 26, 2019

[8]

Intermittent Asthma Differential Diagnoses

Asthma can mimic other respiratory conditions, making differential diagnosis crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. For intermittent asthma, the following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation, which can present with similar symptoms to asthma.
• Allergic or Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Upper airway inflammation can cause symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, making it a differential diagnosis for intermittent asthma.
• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to symptoms similar to asthma.
• Postnasal Drip: Mucus accumulation in the back of the throat can cause coughing and wheezing, which may be mistaken for intermittent asthma.

Key Considerations

When differentiating between intermittent asthma and other conditions, consider the following:

• Symptom frequency and duration: Intermittent asthma is characterized by symptoms that occur fewer than 2 days per week, with brief exacerbations and periods of no symptoms.
• Pulmonary function testing: Spirometry and other pulmonary function tests can help confirm or rule out asthma and differentiate it from other conditions.
• Medical history and physical examination: A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential to identify underlying conditions that may be contributing to symptoms.

References

• [7] Mild intermittent asthma is described as intermittent wheezing fewer than 2 days per week, with brief exacerbations and periods of no symptoms.
• [8] Box 1 Differential diagnosis of asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Postnasal drip.
• [13] The differential diagnosis for asthma is broad and requires a detailed history with supportive pulmonary function tests to be properly diagnosed.

Note: The above information is based on the provided context, which includes search results from various sources.