Asthma Diagnosed

Tests may include:

1. Lung function tests
2. Peak flow measurements
3. Chest x-ray
4. Arterial blood gas
5. Allergy testing to find out if and what allergens affect you.
6. A test in which you use a peak flow meter every day for 1-2 weeks to check your breathing. A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that helps you monitor how well you are breathing.
7. A test to see how your airways react to exercise.
8. Tests to see if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease.
9. A test to see if you have sinus disease.

Some things your doctor will ask about include:

1. Periods of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness that come on suddenly, occur often, or seem to happen during certain times of the year or season
2. Your family history of asthma and allergies
3. Things that seem to cause your symptoms or make them worse
4. Colds that seem to "go to the chest" or take more than 10 days to get over
5. Medicines you may have used to help your breathing