Diagnosing Asthma

Medical History and examination are the first part of any diagnostic work-up. Your physician will not only ask questions about your medical history, but your parents as well, based on the genetic component of asthma. If you or anyone in your family has had any allergies, or eczema, this will be a critical clue to your physician in diagnosing asthma. The physical examination will pay particular attention to your upper and lower respiratory system (e.g. nose, ears, throat, lungs). The patient needs to be very specific about asthma symptoms they have experienced, how often, and if in association with any particular trigger (NOTE: Having an asthma diary to note specifics will be important after your diagnosis, as well as before, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment).

Lung function tests will be performed to confirm an asthma diagnosis. There are two common lung function tests that may be performed: Spironmetry which measures the amount of air you're able to breathe in and out and its rate of flow; and peak airflow, which measures the rate at which you can force air out of your lungs. There are always signs and symptoms which occur prior to an asthma attack, one being the inhibition of airflow. The peak airflow test, therefore, is also a preventive treatment, as one can use it to monitor one's own airflow and pre-empt an attack. A bronchodilator may also be given during these tests. If significant improvement in lung function occurs, this is an indicator that it is highly likely that the person has asthma.

Diagnosing Asthma in Children under the age of five varies as the physician uses only the bronchodilator component to evaluate lung function.