This article will discuss the various types of tests that may be part of a diagnostic workup for asthma.
Self Checks / At-Home Testing
Asthma is not a disease that can be self-diagnosed.
take a stab at keep a record of your symptoms, including when and where they occur.
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Asthma is especially common in people who have atopic conditions such ashay fever (allergic rhinitis)oratopic dermatitis.
Your family health history will be important as well, as asthma tends to run in families.
They will want as many details about your symptoms as it’s possible for you to provide.
This is why keeping a record of your symptoms is invaluable.
The next step in diagnosing asthma will likely be a physical exam that focuses on your breathing.
Spirometry
Spirometryis the most common lung function test.
To do this test, you put a mouthpiece in your mouth and a clip on your nose.
You then breathe into a tube connected to a small machine called a spirometer.
You’ll then take the test again to see if your lung function improves.
Spirometry is the main test for detecting and measuring airway obstruction associated with asthma.
A FeNO test uses a handheld gadget to measure the amount of nitric oxide you exhale.
These tests are also calledbronchoprovocationchallengesor tests.
You’ll take a breathing test (spirometry) before and after each challenge.
This allows your healthcare provider to see if your lung function changes and if so, by how much.
An early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing the disease from interfering with your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 80% of asthma develops before the age of 6.
In fact, as many as half of adults with asthma develop it after childhood.
Unlike childhood asthma, remission is rare.
Inexercise-induced bronchoconstriction(EIB), people experience airway constriction only when they exercise.
In contrast, asthma is a chronic condition.
2020;101(6):362-368.
2019;7:256. doi:10.3389/fped.2019.00256
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Asthma.
