The Diagnosis of Asthma

Asthma not an easy disease to diagnose because it has a variety of symptoms that may not always be consistent. A physician will look at a variety of factors, such as a history of symptoms and take note of when the symptoms are worse. Asthma is typically worse at night or in the presence of:

• Exercise
• Viral infection
• Allergens
• Irritants, such as wood or tobacco smoke
• Changes in the weather
• Stress
• And Menstrual cycles for women

There are multiple ways to establish an asthma diagnosis. The most common tests include:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examinations
• Spirometry

Spirometry is a very specific and accurate test. It is preferred to diagnose asthma rather than measurements taken by a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter is a useful tool that measures how much air you can expel. Lower readings on a peak flow meter can indicate an asthma emergency. A peak flow meter is designed to help monitor asthma, not to diagnose it.

Other Diseases that Look Like Asthma

The presence of wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness does not always signify asthma. There are quite a few disorders that look remarkably like asthma such as:

• Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis
• Vocal Cord Dysfunction
• Heart Disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease

If an asthma diagnosis is unclear, the doctor may try other tests to rule out other disorders. View more information about tests for asthma.