Diagnosing asthma may be a difficult task at times for
doctors, because this disease has many symptoms that mimic other pulmonary
diseases. The first step doctors take to determine whether a patient has
asthma is to take a medical history as well as family history of the patient.
The doctor will be most interested in knowing the types and severity of the
patient's breathing problems. Besides the medical history, the doctor will
ask about what types of environmental allergens the patient might be exposed to
including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.
After a patient history is completed, several tests can be
conducted to determine how well the lungs are functioning. Most of these
tests measure the amount of air a patient can breathe in and exhale. Other
tests measure the changes in a patients ability to efficiently breathe in and
out.
Medical History
During your examination, the doctor will as about your...
-
Current Health. Symptoms of asthma
include, but are not limited to,
wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and mucus in the
airway.
- Personal Health History. A history of eczema or allergies
increases the likelihood of asthma.
- Family Health History. If other close relatives have
asthma, allergies, or eczema, the likelihood of the patient having asthma
increases.
- Environmental Irritants. A variety of allergens may induce
an asthma attack. Knowing what allergens the patient is exposed to
could help determine whether the asthma can be controlled without
medication.
Pulmonary Function Tests
- Spirometry -- In this diagnostic test, the patient is asked to breathe
into a mouthpiece which is attached to a recording device known as a
spirometer. The device measures how much air the patient can exhale at
one time.
© 1998-2005
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
All rights reserved. A single copy of these
materials may be reprinted for noncommercial
personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com,"
"Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable
information for a healthier life" and the
triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo
Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
© 1998-2005
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
All rights reserved. A single copy of these
materials may be reprinted for noncommercial
personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com,"
"Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable
information for a healthier life" and the
triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo
Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
-
Methacholine Challenge Test -- In this
diagnostic test, methacholine is inhaled into
the lungs. Methacholine causes the airways
to constrict of asthma is present. If lung
function decreases by 20% as a result of the
administration of methacholine, asthma is
diagnosed.
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Other Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Chest X-Ray
- Allergen skin tests
- Gastroesophageal reflux assessment
- Sinus X-Ray