How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Asthma is a medical condition that makes breathing difficult. During asthma flareups and attacks, the patient's airways become narrowed, swollen, and also produce excess mucus. In addition to making breathing difficult, the condition can trigger shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Some individuals with asthma experience symptoms as a minor nuisance, though some deal with symptoms severe enough to be life-threatening and interfere with day-to-day activities. Though asthma doesn't have a cure, the symptoms are controllable. Patients will need to work with their doctor on an ongoing basis to make sure the symptoms continue to be controlled through medication. The symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
There are several ways that asthma can be diagnosed. The severity of symptoms and the type of asthma will affect the diagnostic methods used. Learn more about diagnosing asthma now.
Use Of A Peak Flow Meter
Peak flow meters are portable and hand-held devices that measure an individual's capacity to push air from their lungs. They are available in two ranges. The first, called a low-range meter, is designed for use by small children. Meanwhile, a standard-range is used for adults, teenagers, and older children. Because adults have larger and more developed airways than small children, they need a wider range of measurements. In addition to being used for the original diagnosis of asthma, peak flow meters are often helpful after patients receive their diagnosis. If individuals have been recently diagnosed or take daily medicine to control their asthma, the use of a peak flow meter helps with their day-to-day management. Peak flow meters can be used for asthma management in individuals aged five years and older. In addition, some individuals who have chronic bronchitis or emphysema might benefit from using a peak flow meter.
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Spirometry
Spirometry is a common test used in doctor's offices to assess how well a patient's lungs work. It measures the amount of air individuals inhale, the amount of air they exhale, and how fast they exhale. In addition to diagnosing asthma, spirometry can diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other breathing conditions. Doctors might periodically use spirometry to monitor the condition of a patient's lungs and make sure their asthma treatment is working correctly. For patients who have already been diagnosed with asthma, spirometry might be used to monitor treatment or to make sure their lung function is adequate before surgery. Spirometry is generally considered a safe diagnostic test, though patients might feel dizzy or short of breath momentarily after the test is performed. Patients do have to undergo some exertion, so the test isn't used for those who have heart conditions or who have recently experienced a heart attack. Before taking the test, patients should wear loose clothing and avoid eating large meals.
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Testing To Induce Reaction Exercise-Induced Asthma
One of the ways doctors might diagnose asthma is by doing testing to see whether patients have exercise-induced breathing reactions. In the past, this condition was called exercise-induced asthma. Today, the preferred term is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Though up to ninety percent of individuals with asthma have EIB, not every patient with this condition has asthma. Some exercise-induced breathing issues can occur as a result of allergies. The most common symptoms of EIB are wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, decreased endurance, coughing, upset stomach, or a sore throat. Triggers for the condition can include allergens related to certain sports. For example, running and cycling can cause allergy triggers related to pollution. Swimming can cause allergic reactions to chlorine. As individuals work out in a gym, there are several other potential allergens around including the carpeting, new equipment, paint, cleaners, and perfume. The condition is often diagnosed by having a doctor test the patient's breathing before, during, and after they run on a treadmill or undergo some other exercise.
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Methacholine Test
One of the tests used to help diagnose asthma is a methacholine challenge test. Methacholine is a drug that, when inhaled, causes an individual's airways to narrow slightly within the lungs, mimicking the effects of asthma on the lungs. This type of test can be performed in a pulmonary function lab or doctor's office. However, a methacholine test can be dangerous if individuals have low lung function, have had a stroke or heart attack within three months, have uncontrolled blood pressure, have suffered a brain or aortic aneurysm, or are pregnant or nursing. Before the test, patients will be asked to stop using inhalers or certain medications to make sure the result is accurate. The day the test is performed, patients shouldn't drink or eat any products containing caffeine. In addition, patients should talk to their doctor about any other factors that might affect the test, like exercise, upper respiratory infections, and smoking. The test begins with a spirometry test, and then increasing doses of methacholine are given through a nebulizer.
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Allergy Testing
Allergy testing might be done as one of several tests while a doctor is confirming the presence of asthma. Allergy tests won't confirm the presence of asthma itself, but they will confirm whether allergies might be causing asthma flareups. For example, if an individual is allergic to cats, they might experience more asthma attacks while living with a cat than they would if they lived alone. There are several allergy tests available, and the one a doctor uses will depend on the allergen being tested. One is a skin test, which is done by placing a small amount of allergen underneath the skin. If the skin reacts with an allergic reaction, patients know they have a heightened immune response to that allergen. Certain blood tests can also be used to test for allergies.