Tests Commonly Used in Asthma Diagnosis

Asthma diagnosis involves the use of a set of techniques and procedures but it is mainly dependent on the patient’s history and the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The diagnosis is in many cases done symptomatically based on the symptoms described by the patient and a short history regarding the patients past activities and lifestyle behaviors to check whether there is any factor that may have predisposed the patient to asthma.

Describing the symptoms that are being experienced therefore marks the first step in the diagnosis of asthma. This should also be accompanied by information regarding any exposure to substances such as tobacco, fumes from chemicals, any form of irritants, any form of allergic condition that the patient may be suffering from, family history regarding any cases of asthma in the family lineage, presence of any other health complications, type of drug the patient may have been using and any other relevant information that may assist in coming up with a definitive diagnosis.

The second step that follows is the physical examination where by the physician conducting the test does a gross examination of various body parts to see whether there are any signs of asthma. The areas that are commonly examined include the upper respiratory tract which is made up of the nose, throat and the upper airways, listening to the way the patient is breathing using a stethoscope, whereby in a patient with asthma, a wheezing sound is herd, skin examinations to check for any signs of allergic conditions.

Signs and symptoms that may greatly assist the doctor in coming up with a definitive diagnosis include recurrent wheezing, coughing, difficulties in breathing, chest tightness, any symptoms that may occur as a result of cold.
Several other tests can be carried out as confirmatory tests for asthma. Most commonly performed tests include:-

Spirometry
This test aims at assessing how well the lungs are working and the patient is required to breathe into the spirometry. The instrument then measures the amount of air the patient can breathe out in a second and the total amount the patient can breathe out. The results obtained are compared with measurements obtained from normal people of a similar age as that of the patient.

Peak expiratory flow rate test
This method uses a small hand held device which is referred to as a peak flow meter to determine how fast the patient can blow out air from the lungs in a single breath. The results obtained describe the patient’s peak expiratory flow rate. The test is easy to perform and interpret the results which make it possible for patients to take the device home and perform the test on their own on a daily basis. This helps the patients to know when the symptoms associated with asthma are getting worse.

Other tests that may be carried out are influenced by the way the condition represents itself in a given patient and they tend to be more specific. Tests include airway responsiveness test which uses a trigger to see how the airways react, testing for airway inflammation and testing for specific allergies.

Accurate diagnosis for asthma largely depends on the patient’s history and symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Patients are therefore advised to be honest while answering the questions that are asked by the physician in order to get the best treatment available.