Asthma is a chronic condition that affects a person's airways, making it difficult to breathe. It is characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. While asthma cannot be diagnosed with a blood test, certain blood tests can help to identify conditions that may be causing or contributing to asthma symptoms.
Does a Blood Test Show Asthma?
No, a blood test does not diagnose asthma. However, it can help doctors identify conditions that may be causing asthma symptoms or making them worse. These tests may include:
Allergy testing: Allergy testing may be done to identify allergens that could be triggering asthma symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander.
Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of red and white blood cells in the body. An unusually high or low number of either type of cell can indicate an underlying condition that may be contributing to asthma symptoms.
Inflammatory markers: Inflammation is a hallmark of asthma. Blood tests can measure the levels of certain proteins, called inflammatory markers, that are released in response to inflammation.
Conclusion
Asthma cannot be diagnosed with a blood test. However, certain blood tests can help to identify conditions that may be causing or contributing to asthma symptoms. Allergy testing, a complete blood count, and inflammatory markers are some of the tests that may be used to diagnose asthma.