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How is asthma diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you have asthma, they will assess your medical history, perform a physical examination and carry out breathing tests to measure your lung function. The types of breathing tests include spirometry, a commonly used test that measures the lungs' function; peak flow, which measures the rate of air exhalation; and methacholine challenge, which typically constricts the airways of asthmatic individuals.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common disease that affects the lungs. It causes the airways inside the lungs to become very sensitive to certain particles that enter the lungs during normal breathing.

What causes asthma?

The triggers for asthma can vary from person to person and can depend on what type of asthma you have. Some of these triggers include: Airborne allergens such as pollen, pet hair and dust mites; Food allergens such as peanuts, eggs or dairy; Infections such as the …

Who gets asthma?

There are some factors that can increase your chance of developing asthma. These include: A family history of asthma; A past history of allergic skin conditions (eczema) or hay fever; Obesity; Passive and active smoking; Having a mother who smoked during …

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The main symptoms of asthma are episodes of wheezing, feeling out of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing. Some people with asthma may not experience very severe symptoms, but for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily …

Is asthma contagious?

No, asthma is not contagious.

How is asthma controlled?

Asthma is controlled with medications and by avoiding asthma triggers. Two types of medications are commonly used to treat asthma: Fast-relief medication (rescue medication) acts quickly to open up the airways and make breathing easier during an asthma attack. …

Can asthma medication be taken during pregnancy?

Most asthma medications are safe to take during pregnancy. It is very important that pregnant women have very good control of their asthma to ensure the best possible health for themselves and their baby. If the mother has an asthma attack, …

What is an Asthma Action Plan?

An Asthma Action Plan is a written plan that is used to help people manage their asthma. The plan is generally developed together with a doctor and contains individualized information about preventing asthma attacks, recognizing early warning signs of an …

What is a peak-flow test?

A peak-flow test, a simple test that measures how fast you breathe out, is used to help diagnose asthma and evaluate your response to treatment. It involves blowing into a small plastic tube, which then produces a measurement of lung function and enables diagnosis …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 17 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 743 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: How to use an asthma spacer

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