There are several key tests to diagnose asthma used by Doctors. Some tests, for example, a test of pulmonary functions, determine the performance of the lungs. Other tests determine whether your body is sensitive to certain types of foods, pollen or other particles (ie do you have any allergies). A blood test can give an overall picture of the condition of the body. Specific tests are used to determine the level of immunoglobulin E, the main antibodies produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Every person in the body has these antibodies, but a person with an allergy has a lot more of them.

Tests to Diagnose Asthma

All of the above tests help the doctor determine if the symptoms are a sign of asthma or some other comorbid illness, such as allergies and asthma, GERD and asthma or sinusitis and asthma. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes medication that will help manage the symptoms of asthma and prevent seizures.

• 
  

  Pulmonary function test

  
  

The pulmonary function test is a test that assesses lung function. The two most common tests are spirometry and a test with a load of methacholine.

Spirometry is a simple test that measures lung volume and maximum expiratory flow. It is often used to determine the blocking of the airways. A test with methacholine load is used if the symptoms and results of spirometry do not provide an opportunity to make an accurate diagnosis. Which test is best suited to your situation - the attending physician will determine.

• 
  

  Chest X-ray

  
  

Although chest x-ray is a method not only used to diagnose asthma but to confirm that the symptoms are caused only by asthma and no other diseases. X-ray is an image of the body, which is obtained due to a small dose of radiation, reflected on a special film or fluorescent screen. Radiography is used to diagnose a wide range of diseases, ranging from bronchitis and ending with a broken bone. A doctor can prescribe an X-ray to inspect the interior of the chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones. According to the results of the X-ray, the doctor can determine whether your symptoms are caused by asthma or not.

 

• 
  

  Heartburn and GERB

  
  

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or what is also called GERD, is another disease that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. If the doctor suspected the presence of such a disease, then he can recommend passing certain tests.

• 
  

  Tests for an allergic reaction

  
  

Tests for testing the allergic reaction are necessary to determine the allergens that cause asthma exacerbation.

• 
  

  Examination of nasal sinuses

  
  

Nasal polyps or sinusitis can significantly worsen asthma symptoms and slow the treatment. Sinusitis, which is also called an infection of the nasal sinuses, is an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses as a result of infection. When the sinuses are blocked and filled with fluid, the bacteria begin to develop, spreading the infection and causing inflammation. The attending physician may recommend passing a special x-ray of the nasal sinuses, called a CT scanner, to examine the sinuses for infections. If diagnosed with acute sinusitis, then antibiotic treatment is prescribed for a period of 10-12 days. Treatment of sinusitis can prevent further exacerbation of asthma.

• 
  

  Determination of the severity of asthma

  
  

Based on the symptoms of asthma and the test results, the doctor diagnoses asthma. The next stage - the doctor determines the severity of asthma, which will help to make the right treatment program. There are 4 main types of asthma.

• 
  

  Light intermittent asthma. 

  
  
   
  
  
  Symptoms worsen less than twice a week, exacerbation or asthma attacks are rare, attacks of nocturnal asthma are infrequent. (Some specific results of pulmonary function tests are also characteristic).
  
  


• 
  

  Light persistent asthma. 

  
  
  
  Symptoms occur more than twice a week, but less than once a day. Asthma attacks affect the daily activity of a person. Attacks of nocturnal asthma happen more than 2 times a month. (Some specific results of the pulmonary function test are also characteristic.)
  
  


• 
  

  Moderate persistent asthma. 

  
  
  
  

  
  Symptoms worsen daily, and attacks of nocturnal asthma - more than once a week. Symptoms of asthma affect physical activity and can last for several days. In addition, such people need a daily intake of fast-acting drugs. (Some specific results of the pulmonary function test are also characteristic.)

  
  

   

  
  
  
  


• 
  

  Acute persistent asthma.

  
  
  
  Symptoms are manifested constantly, not excluding night time, during sleep, physical activity is limited, frequent attacks of asthma. (Some specific results of the pulmonary function test are also characteristic.)
  
  

Diagnosis of asthma » Problems, Questions & Tests

This article explains Diagnosis of asthma, problems arising during the diagnosis of asthma, questions that you should think about before you visit a doctor, tests to diagnose Asthma and much more.

Diagnosis of Asthma

The doctor diagnosed with asthma? The correct diagnosis is the first step to managing and controlling this chronic lung disease. After the diagnosis is established, the doctor prescribes the most effective and safe medications for treating asthma symptoms that will lead to a normal and active life.

Problems arising during the diagnosis of asthma

The main problem that arises during the diagnosis of asthma is that most patients do not have obvious asthma symptoms at the time of the doctor's visit. For example, the whole week you may have a strong cough and wheezing, and, having come to the doctor, the symptoms may disappear. And then, when you least expect it, you may experience asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. The cause of an asthma attack can be even an allergy to pollen or sudden changes in the weather. In addition, viral infections, such as a cold or flu, can cause an asthma attack. Even physical exertion, sudden stress or an allergy to aspirin and other drugs can trigger an exacerbation of the disease.

Asthma may not remind you of yourself for weeks or even months. In this case, the diagnosis is even more difficult. But you can help the doctor determine the exact diagnosis, noting everything that could cause an exacerbation of the disease. After the diagnosis is established, the doctor prescribes medications to treat asthma symptoms. If you follow all the instructions of the doctor, you can forget about the existence of asthma.

Diagnosis and the doctor

[caption id="attachment_314" align="alignleft" width="350"] Diagnosis of asthma[/caption]

The attending physician plays a significant role in the treatment of asthma. A doctor can be not only the one who diagnoses and prescribes treatment but can become a close and reliable friend who can support you if thoughts of asthma begin to bother you and cause panic.

At a doctor's appointment, he learns the history of the disease, including asthma symptoms, how you feel, whether you are facing somewhere known with asthma and allergies, how you eat and how active your lifestyle is, your home environment and surroundings, heredity. During this survey, it is very important to talk openly to the doctor about your symptoms and possible pathogens. Here are a few questions that you should think about before you visit a doctor:

1. Can you describe your asthma symptoms?

(Emphasize those symptoms that are specific to you)

• 
  
  Shortness of breath, lack of air
  
  


• 
  
  Whistling breath, which can be caused by allergies, colds, infection of the nasal sinuses or bronchitis
  
  


• 
  
  Frequent coughing
  
  


• 
  
  Loud wheezing with inspiration and exhalation
  
  


• 
  
  Rapid breathing
  
  


• 
  
  Chest pain or a feeling of contraction
  
  


• 
  
  It's hard to say
  
  


• 
  
  Feelings of anxiety or panic
  
  


• 
  
  Pale, persistent sweating face
  
  


• 
  
  Blue lips or fingers
  
  

2. When is the most common symptom of asthma?

• 
  
  All the time in different ways
  
  


• 
  
  Only during exercise
  
  


• 
  
  At night, during sleep
  
  


• 
  
  Early in the morning during sleep
  
  


• 
  
  During the flowering period
  
  


• 
  
  After experiencing stress or anxiety
  
  


• 
  
  After close contact with tobacco smoke
  
  


• 
  
  After close contact with a strong odor
  
  


• 
  
  After talking with dogs or cats
  
  


• 
  
  While in a room with air conditioning or after inhaling the cold air
  
  


• 
  
  After a loud laugh or singing
  
  


• 
  
  Associated with allergy or sinus infections
  
  


• 
  
  Associated with heartburn or GERD
  
  


• 
  
  After taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and other medications
  
  

3. Have there been any cases of asthma or allergies in your family?

4. Do you often have bronchitis?

5. Have you previously been diagnosed with asthma?

 

 

Asthma Diagnosis and Tests

After talking about your symptoms and pathogens of asthma, the doctor begins a physical examination, conducts laboratory tests and other necessary tests and tests. This will accurately determine your problems with the respiratory system and this will form the basis of the asthma treatment program.

Your health care provider can use one or more of the following tests to diagnose asthma. These tests will assess the performance of the lungs and monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

• 
  
  Spirometry is a lung function test that measures the maximum volume of inhaled air. This test confirms that the airways are blocked (which is with proper treatment), which is characteristic of asthma and can accurately measure the extent of damage to pulmonary functions. In addition, thanks to this test, you can observe how the body responds to treatment. This test is recommended for adults and children over 5 years.
  
  


• 
  
  The measurement of expiratory flow is a way to evaluate pulmonary function, which can be used at home. The maximum volumetric expiratory flow rate (MOSV) provides reliable objective lung performance indicators. Your doctor will tell you how to use the pneumotachometer (you need to take a deep breath and breathe out as much as possible into the pneumotachometer).
  
  The maximum exhalation is the maximum rate of exhalation that your body is capable of. Although the measurement of expiratory flow at home is not as accurate as the results of spirometry, it will help manage symptoms and prevent an asthma attack.
  
  


• 
  
  Chest X-ray - usually not used, unless the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, for example, pneumonia. Or the results of asthma treatment are not what they should be, the X-ray can clarify the problem.
  
  

Diagnosis of asthma

During the diagnosis of asthma, the doctor can perform additional tests, including a test with a load of methacholine. Methacholine is a substance that, when inhaled, causes spasm and constriction of the airways, unless you have asthma.

It is not necessary to pass all the tests. Trust your doctor and let him choose which tests and tests you need to go through in your case. This will avoid unnecessary testing, which will affect the definition of the diagnosis slightly but will increase the cost of treatment. If, however, you are still confused by the diagnosis, talk with your doctor about the possibility to go through several more tests. Or consult another doctor. And only after that, it is possible to begin treatment.

The control of asthma symptoms depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and support. Once diagnosed, the doctor prescribes effective medications, including inhalers and inhaled steroids, which will improve lung function and help prevent the onset of asthma symptoms.