Asthma diagnosis process includes gathering family and medical history, a physical exam and different test results. Diagnosis will determine the further treatment of asthma, which may also depend on the severity of the condition.
Asthma diagnosis is very important in order to receive proper treatment, and may sometimes be challenging if the signs aren't clear. Some diseases mimic the symptoms of asthma, which is an additional difficulty in the proper diagnosis.
When you talk to the doctor about your symptoms, make sure you answer the questions as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the signs and remember when your symptoms appear (morning, night), while you're exercising or at work, what months of the year; how severe your symptoms are and other significant details.
Asthma diagnosis - Spirometry:
Spirometry is an important test for asthma diagnosis, and it is used to check how well the lungs function. A spirometer is used to measure inhalations and exhalations. When exhaling, the air should be expelled forcefully. If there is an obstruction in the air flow, that is a sign of asthma.
Asthma diagnosis - Peak flow rate measurement:
Peak flow rate measurement is a test where a peak flow meter is used to check the lung capacity. A deep breath is taken and then blown out hard into the meter. These devices can also be used at home, to monitor the management of asthma.
Asthma diagnosis - Methacholine challenge test:
Methacholine challenge test consist of taking an agent (Methacholine) which causes the airways to narrow down if asthma is present in the body. After this has been done, spirometry may be used to measure the air flow and volume.
Asthma diagnosis - Chest X-Ray:
Chest X-Ray is used in only in certain cases, if another condition is present or suspected, besides asthma (e.g. pneumonia) or if the asthma treatment isn't working properly. With an X-Ray the lungs are fully visible and the problems are easier to spot.
Allergy tests are utilized in order to identify which allergies bring about the asthma symptoms.
Important part of asthma diagnosis is making sure no other condition is causing the symptoms, considering that disorders such as sinusitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease have very similar signs as asthma. Only necessary tests are used, and this depends on each case individually.
Asthma diagnosis should also include determining the severity of the condition, after presence of asthma has been established, as it helps in recommending the right treatment. There are four types of asthma classified by severity: mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent.
Like we mentioned, some recent research advances are offering a new hope for the complete resolution of asthma. It looks into the autoimmune aspect of asthma. The treatment is a holistic treatment procedure known as the Norton Protocol. You can visit the official home page of the protocol and learn more about the asthma diagnosis and alternative treatment options.
Gwen Simmons is a health and nutrition consultant and an alternative medical researcher. Born and lived in Ottawa all her life, she developed and interest in the health and wellness sphere at the age of 28 when her mother died of cancer. She is now a renowned health consultant and nutrition expert, specializing in alternative medicine research. She owns a small practice in Charleswood, Ottawa. Hobbies - yoga.
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