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Asthma Diagnosis

Asthma: Diagnosis


Top Diagnosis

1. Spirometry

This test is done by the doctor at his clinic or hospital. It is used to measure the narrow bronchial tubes to see how much air one exhales after a deep long breath and how fast one can breathe out of the lungs. In the long run, this diagnostic test is very important in the treatment of asthma.ย 

2. Peak flow

It is a very simple test. A simple device called peak flow meter is used in the test. It is used to measure how hard one can breathe. If the peak flow readings are lower than usual, then it indicates that lungs are not working well. It even indicates that asthma is reaching a severe stage. This test can be done at home too. There are certain steps given by the doctor to be followed, if low peak flow readings are noted. Sometimes just before and after taking bronchodilator, this lung function test is done. It is likely that you have asthma when your lungs function properly by using a bronchodilator.ย 

3. Pulmonary function test

Sometimes doctors may need to know the diffusing capacity and lung volumes. This is mostly done in the case where asthma diagnosis isnโ€™t clearly indicate in other reports. In this test, one needs to sit inside a special box that would check the amount of air one breathes in and out.

Diffusing capacity determines how oxygen moves through the lungs and into the blood. Lower diffusing capacities indicate that the lungs are damaged. Most people suffering from asthma have normal readings.

To determine the lung volume, one has to go through a body plethysmography. Sometimes, asthma may lead to a change in lung volume. This test may assist the doctor while diagnosing the disease.ย 

4. X-ray of chest

People who generally wheeze have to undergo a chest X-ray. The doctor ensures before proceeding with the treatment or test that the person doesnโ€™t suffer from any condition that may have caused symptoms such as lung infection.ย 

5. Bronchoproyocation test

In this test, one needs to inhale a particular substance through a nebulizer, usually histamine or methacholine. This test is performed to check if the lungs feel irritated and hyper responsive which may lead to the development of some asthma symptoms. The test gives a negative prediction value. By this we mean that if the test shows negative results, then you are not likely to be suffering from asthma.ย 

6. Pulse oximetry

This test is a non invasive method of determining how effectively oxygen is exchanged between the lungs and blood. A sensor is used in this test. It is put on the fingertip or any thin part of body that has blood vessels quite close to the skin. The sensor determines the wavelength change and even measures oxygenation of blood.ย 

7. ABG (Arterial blood gas)

An arterial blood sample is used to determine how effectively the blood in your body is oxygenated. Generally, the blood sample that is used is taken from arteries close to the wrist. This test is usually performed when you suffer from acute asthma exacerbation. This test is more trustworthy than pulse oximetry.ย 

8. Test for allergy

Allergies and asthma are usually interrelated. The allergens that one breathes in increase the inflammatory reaction. They even cause hyper responsiveness in the lungs. However, it is difficult to determine via just clinical testing whether a particular allergen is the reason for symptoms. This is the reason that an allergy test is recommended. It is used only for those people who have been suffering from asthma for a long time.

9. Some other tests

Some tests like exercise testing, clinical pulmonary function testing and disability evaluation are also recommended.

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