Asthma is a public health problem for both developed and developing countries. It occurs in all age groups and ethnic groups. It often starts in childhood. A careful medical history, physical examination, and test of pulmonary function provide information needed for a diagnosis of asthma. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and cough, worse particularly at night or in the early morning.
Symptoms occur or worsen in the presence of exercise, allergens, irritants, and viral infections.
Tobacco smokers and elderly patients frequently suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with symptoms similar to asthma. Yet they may also have asthma and benefit from treatment. Control of asthma is defined as the absence of symptoms and acute attacks, no use of relief medication, no emergency room visits, normal activity level, including exercise, and normal lung function. This can be achieved in almost all patients and with no side effects from medications. Control of asthma can be achieved through the implementation of an effective asthma management program.