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Diagnosing Asthma
Home » Diseases » Asthma » Diagnosing AsthmaWith a correct diagnosis, a treatment plan can be set up to manage asthma. You should see your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms. Your doctor will review the medical history of you and your family, the symptoms you are experiencing, and any history of breathing problems.
A physical examination will be performed in which the doctor may conduct any of the following tests:
• Sinus evaluation - The doctor may examine your nasal passages to determine if there are any nasal polyps present. Nasal polyps make asthma more difficult to treat because when the sinuses are blocked they fill with fluid allowing bacteria to grow, which can lead to infection. If sinusitis is found, you will be treated with antibiotics.
• Chest x-ray - The doctor may decide to take chest x-rays to exclude the possibility of breathing problems related to something other than asthma. By viewing your lungs via a chest x-ray, the doctor can see if asthma is the cause of your symptoms.
• Allergy tests - Allergy tests may be performed to identify any allergies that may trigger asthma. This is normally done through a prick skin test.
• Spirometry - A breathing test that measures the amount and the rate at which air can pass through your lungs. If you have an obstruction in your lungs, it can be detected with this test. The test will be performed before or after inhaling a bronchodilator which causes your airways to expand, allowing air to freely pass through. This test is not generally performed on a child under the age of five.
• Methacholine challenge test - Methacholine is an agent that causes the airways to spasm and narrow when inhaled by asthma suffers. You will be asked to inhale increasing amounts of this aerosol mist before and after spirometry to determine if asthma is present. If the lung function drops by at least 20%, it is an indication of asthma. A bronchodilator will be administered at the end of the test to reverse the effects of the methacholine. This test is more commonly used in adults than children.
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