A lung function test ( spirometry ) can help to diagnose asthma in adults and children 5 years and older. Spirometry measures air flowing in and out of the lungs to give a measure of how well your lungs work. Other conditions, such as having a cold, can also affect lung function.
To diagnose asthma, your doctor will discuss your personal and medical history with you. They will also perform a physical exam. You may need a lung function test (also known as a pulmonary function test), which can be done easily in the clinic. You may need other tests, such as a blood tests or chest and sinus X-ray.
Take a deep breath in and place the peak flow meter mouthpiece closely and tightly around your lips. Do not put your tongue inside the mouthpiece. Breathe out as forcefully as you can, using a huff-like motion, for no longer than one second. Write down the reading on the gauge.
To diagnose asthma in an adult, a doctor will ask about your medical history and family history, do a physical exam, and do lung function tests. They may also do allergy tests since allergic asthma is common in adults.
Asthma diagnosis
Doctors do not use one specific test to diagnose asthma. Your doctor first needs to understand your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will ask questions such as whether there is any family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever.
Adult-onset asthma is often caused by: Allergies. Hormonal changes including pregnancy, menopause and taking estrogen following menopause. Certain respiratory infections like the cold or flu.
The classic symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, tightness in your chest, and feeling short of breath. But other conditions — like allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and post nasal drip — can trigger the same problems.
The symptoms of silent asthma include a persistent cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling tired or weak, and difficulty sleeping due to coughing.
Your pharmacist can help you to understand if your asthma is well managed. They can do this by using questionnaires, such as the Asthma Control Test.
Seek medical attention right away if you have signs or symptoms of a serious asthma attack, which include: Severe breathlessness or wheezing, especially at night or in the early morning. The inability to speak more than short phrases due to shortness of breath. Having to strain your chest muscles to breathe.
Chest radiography is the initial imaging evaluation in most individuals with symptoms of asthma. The value of chest radiography is in revealing complications or alternative causes of wheezing in the diagnosis of asthma and its exacerbations.
wheezing, coughing and chest tightness becoming severe and constant. being too breathless to eat, speak or sleep. breathing faster. a fast heartbeat.
First stage: intermittent asthma
At this stage, asthma is likely more of on occasional bothersome occurrence, rather than a disease that interferes significantly with day to day quality of life.
Most people with asthma have a dry cough, one that does not produce mucous. This happens when the airways constrict in response to an irritant and is a feature of asthma. As well as the cough there is often a high-pitched wheeze sound that is also caused by the constricted airway.
Daily symptoms, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, are signs of uncontrolled asthma and may require the use of quick-relief medication a few times a week or even daily. In addition, you may commonly experience nighttime flare-ups and may even have to visit the emergency room.
Inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in medicine, are the main treatment. Tablets and other treatments may also be needed if your asthma is severe. You'll usually create a personal action plan with a doctor or asthma nurse.
But while there's no cure for asthma, there are many steps you can take to avoid asthma symptoms. The most important of these steps is to take the long-term controller medications that your doctor prescribes. Even if your symptoms start to improve, you should keep taking the medicines.
Stress and anxiety can trigger asthma symptoms. By properly managing your stress, you can reduce your risk of having a stress-induced asthma attack or episode. Studies show that mindful breathing and observation can reduce stress and enhance overall health.
Exercise cannot cure asthma, but some of its health benefits can help you keep your asthma well-controlled. Some health benefits of exercise that can help your asthma include: Improved lung function.