How to Diagnose Asthma

If you believe you have asthma, consider the following questions:

• Are the attacks recurrent?
• Are attacks brought on by exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, fumes, allergens, pets, or climate change?
• Do attacks occur within 15 minutes of physical activity and do they lessen after some rest?
• Could the condition be inherited?
• Do you experience tightness in your chest?
• Do you have a cough and experience wheezing or difficulty in breathing?
• Is there a sharp whistling sound while exhaling?
• Does coughing worsen at night?

An affirmative answer to these questions indicates a possible asthma diagnosis. To make a correct diagnosis, the patient’s medical history must be evaluated by a medical professional and a relevant physical examination must be conducted.

One diagnostic test for asthma is Spirometry. Spirometry measures the amount of air exhaled. A blood test and a chest X-ray are helpful in diagnosing asthma and may prevent a misdiagnosis for disorders carrying similar symptoms.

For asthma diagnosis, the doctor may recommend further evaluation, such as a lung function test.