Asthma-Adult Diagnosis
How will your doctor diagnose you with this condition? Learn about the tests, exams, processes, and other information relating to the diagnosis of Asthma-Adult below.
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How to Diagnose Asthma-Adult
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam:
Tests may include:
- Peak flow examination-blowing quickly and forcefully into a special instrument that measures your output of air
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)-breathing into a machine that records information about the function of your lungs
- Bronchoprovocation tests-lung function tests performed after exposure to methacholine, histamine, or cold or dry air to stimulate asthma; can help to confirm asthma in unclear cases
- Exhaled nitric oxide (a marker of airway inflammation)-to suggest the diagnosis and manage medications
- Allergy tests -usually skin or sometimes blood tests to find out if allergies may be contributing to the symptoms
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
