The Diagnosis of Asthma

Asthma is not an easy disease to diagnose because it has a variety of symptoms that may not always be consistent. A physician will look at a variety of factors, such as a history of symptoms and take note of when the symptoms are worse. Asthma is typically worse at night or in the presence of:

• Exercise
• Viral infection
• Allergens
• Irritants, such as wood or tobacco smoke
• Changes in the weather
• Stress
• And Menstrual cycles for women

There are multiple ways to establish an asthma diagnosis. The most common tests include:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examinations
• Spirometry , click here for more information about spirometry

Spirometry is a very specific and accurate test. It is preferred to diagnosis asthma rather than measurements taken by a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter is a useful tool that measures how much air your can expel. Lower readings on a peak flow meter can indicate an asthma emergency. A peak flow meter is designed to help monitor asthma , not to diagnosis it.

Other Diseases that Look Like Asthma

The presence of wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness does not always signify asthma. There are quite a few disorders that look remarkably like asthma such as:

• Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis
• Vocal Cord Dysfunction
• Heart Disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease

If an asthma diagnosis is unclear , the doctor may try other tests to rule out other disorders. Click here [http://www.getasthmahelp.org/pft.asp] for more information about tests for asthma.