Diagnosing Asthma
If you believe you may have asthma, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can assess your symptoms and begin the process of diagnosing asthma, which may include:
Physical Exam: During your physical exam, your doctor will check for signs of an asthma attack, such as wheezing.
Lung Function Tests: Your doctor may order a lung function test, such as spirometry, to measure your lung capacity and how well you can move air in and out of your lungs.
Allergy Tests: Allergy tests can help determine if allergies are causing your asthma symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest an allergy skin test, where they place a small amount of an allergen on your skin and observe your reaction.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can help your doctor assess the damage that has been done to your lungs due to asthma.
Once your doctor has diagnosed your asthma, they may prescribe medication and/or other treatments to help you manage your symptoms.