Diagnosis of Asthma

Asthma Diagnosis

Asthma, a chronic lung condition, affects roughly 25 million individuals in the United States, which amounts to approximately 8% of the population. Asthma is characterized by recurring flare-ups of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, resulting in millions of missed school and work days, as well as numerous visits to doctors and emergency departments. Despite its common occurrence, diagnosing asthma can be challenging, especially in young children.

Key Indicators of Asthma:

• Recurrent wheezing

• Chest tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Frequent coughing spells, particularly at night

These symptoms often come and go, provoked by various triggers like cold viruses, exercise, temperature changes, allergens, and irritants like smoke or fragrances.

Tests for Asthma Diagnosis:

1.         Spirometry:

This is a common diagnostic test where you're asked to take a deep breath and exhale forcefully into a large tube. A machine will then measure your breathing patterns and lung function to determine if you have asthma. It is a reliable diagnostic test and can also monitor your response to treatment. However, spirometry isn't suitable for children under 5 years old due to the need for their cooperation and coordination.

2.         Other Breathing Tests:

• Methacholine Challenge: This involves inhaling medication before repeating spirometry.

• Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO): For this test, you blow into a tube attached to a small machine. Elevated levels of nitric oxide indicate inflammation or irritation due to asthma.

• Peak Flow Meter: This involves blowing into a handheld device to move a toggle. It is useful for monitoring older children and adults already diagnosed with asthma.

3.         Allergy Tests:

While they can't diagnose asthma, allergy tests can identify allergies that could be causing or exacerbating asthma symptoms. Treatment of these allergies can help manage asthma better.

4.         Exercise Tests:

If exercise triggers asthma symptoms, healthcare professionals might perform spirometry after exercising.

5.         Blood tests:

These can't diagnose asthma, but they can check for different medical conditions that cause shortness of breath.

Interestingly, asthma usually begins in early childhood but diagnosing it in young children can be challenging. More definitive tests like spirometry or FeNO aren't typically useful until a child is around five years old. Healthcare professionals therefore commonly suspect and treat asthma based on a child's symptoms and examination, and then continue to closely monitor the child as they grow.

If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from asthma, it is crucial to seek medical advice. With effective treatment, lung function can be preserved and symptoms controlled.