Many people with asthma don’t know that they have the disease. In young patients with recurrent coughing and wheezing the diagnosis of asthma is not always straightforward, and it is important to think of other causes for the symptoms.
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In the older child and in adults, where an accurate history is available and lung function tests are easy to perform, the diagnosis is less complicated. Other respiratory problems such as emphysema, bronchitis and lower respiratory infections may mascarade as asthma, as many of these illnesses share similar symptoms.
Asthma should definitely be considered if you have breathing problems that come and go. Persistent cough and recurrent wheezing are also good indicators which may suggest you are asthmatic.
For an accurate diagnosis your doctor will do a careful medical examination, take note of your medical history (is anyone in your family allergic or asthmatic?) and conduct breathing tests which may include:
Spirometry using an instrument that measures the air taken into and out of the lungs during normal periods, during attacks and immediately following inhalation of medications that dilate the airways.
Peak flow monitoring (another measure of lung function) which monitors the rate of air exhaled in one breath. Peak flow decreases before an attack and as the condition becomes more serious. It’s a good idea to keep a peak flow meter with you and to know your normal peak flow values.
Other tests that may be useful include:
Allergy skin tests
Blood tests
Exercise inhalation challenges
A chest X-ray. In asthmatics these are usually normal when there are no underlying illnesses.
Your doctor may also want to perform other tests to exclude conditions that can also cause shortness of breath or other lung problems.
One good way of ascertaining if you suffer from asthma is to monitor your progress after you’ve taken asthma medication. If your condition improves, this will support a diagnosis of asthma.
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