In this story chapter, we will discuss available diagnostic methods.
Asthma is diagnosed in the primary care setting with a comprehensive medical history, family history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests.
Your primary care physician will determine the severity of your asthma, which in turn will affect the treatment you need.
Consult a respiratory specialist if:
Special tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis of asthma
Have a history of asthma attack risk
Treat a specific allergy
Polypharmacy several medications is needed to control asthma
Important points to note in your medical consultation
Important points to bring to your medical consultation:
Family history of asthma and allergies
Frequency of asthma attacks
The time of an asthma attack, especially if it occurs at a certain time of the year, during the day, or in a certain area.
The cause of asthma is specific to you
When you have an asthma attack, you may have an upper respiratory tract infection, reflux disease, stress, sleep apnea, etc.
Physical examination
Auscultate with your primary care physician to listen for wheezing in your lungs
Examination of the upper respiratory tract, sinuses, and upper nasal passages for the presence of upper respiratory tract diseases
Other symptoms of allergic conditions, such as eczema
Diagnostic tests for asthma
Pulmonary function tests
A pulmonary spirometer is a type of lung function test that measures the amount and rate of air inhaled and exhaled.
Some respiratory specialists will use medications to "treat" existing asthma and see if there is improvement. This is usually done if chronic asthma is suspected. The diagnosis of asthma is also made when it is unclear.
related tests for asthma
Allergy test
Perform a bronchoprovocation test to "trigger" asthma attack surveillance.
Abdominal X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Asthma in young children
Most children develop asthma symptoms before age 5, and diagnosing asthma in children is difficult because symptoms often occur with other childhood illnesses.
This is because babies have small airways to begin with. Any respiratory condition that produces sputum causes narrower airways, causing wheezing, like asthma. As the child grows, the airway enlarges and wheezing is no longer heard.
One or both parents have asthma
Other allergic conditions include eczema
You have a pollen allergy or hay fever
Although the child is healthy, breathing is heard
In the next article, we will look at the challenges faced by special population groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly, among others.
