Asthma is a problem that causes the constriction of the airways in an individual which leads to a reduced capacity to inhale and exhale air. It is a reaction that occurs in the presence of some stimulus, often the stimulus is not immediately known. The allergic reaction leads to the swelling up of the airways in the throat. As this happens, the person suffering the attack begins to wheeze as breathing becomes more and more difficult. A severe asthma attack could even completely constrict the airways. This makes an asthma attack a medical emergency. This is why any person who has a known history of asthma must, at all times, have an emergency nebulizer present with them. A nebulizer is a device that sprays a soothing mist into the airways. This immediately soothes the inflamed cells of the airways and thus causes the inflammation to immediately and drastically reduce. This restores air supply to the lungs finally saving the life of the individual.
There is a form of asthma known as exercise induced asthma. This form of asthma is more common in children. Such people will have no asthma related symptoms until they undergo physical exercise. The logic behind this is that such people have sensitivity towards cooler and dryer air. When we breathe through our nose, the air is moistened and warmed up as it passes through the nasal canal. Under heavy exercise, some people tend to breathe through their mouths. Breathing is also more rapid under stress and therefore the air has less time to warm up or be humidified.
A treadmill test for asthma is a test conducted on an individual who is suspected of suffering from exercise induced asthma. This person’s airways may be examined before the test. When on the treadmill, the person is subjected to heavy exercise, mimicking the situation that has caused symptoms in the past. The breathing of the subject is monitored until any discomfort is observed. Some tests may require the subject to push harder until asthma is discovered. While this appears to be cruel, it is the only way in which the diagnosis can be accurately made. The treadmill test is useful because it would simulate exercise while keeping the patient within the controlled environment of a clinic or hospital where emergency medical care is always at hand. The duration of a treadmill test for asthma depends on the duration that it takes for symptoms to appear. It is usually terminated after 15 minutes if no symptoms appear.