If asthma is suspected, the doctor will first establish an accurate picture of your symptoms and will ask about your medical history including diseases in the family and allergies. This is followed by a physical examination during which the doctor will listen to your lungs for typical signs of asthma. A lung function test is required for a clear diagnosis of asthma. Further tests can rule out other diseases or, in the case of allergic asthma, can determine what the triggers are.
In this test, the patient blows into a mouthpiece with a special measuring device. This gives the doctor information about the volume of air you are breathing and lung function. If the lung function test indicates decreased airflow on exhalation, the patient inhales a medication to expand the airways. If there is an improvement, an asthma diagnosis is confirmed. If the test is normal, but asthma is still suspected, a provocation test can be performed.
Asthma can be triggered by allergens. A physician may do skin and blood tests to confirm if a person has allergic asthma. The prick test involves applying tiny amounts of common allergic substances to the skin of the lower arm. A blood test is also helpful to confirm allergic triggers.
If the standard tests do not clearly confirm asthma, an X-ray may be helpful to rule out other lung diseases. A blood gas analysis also gives information on the gas exchange in the lungs: it shows if the delivery of oxygen and the exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs is working properly.
The contents of the PARI Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the PARI Site ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the PARI Site!
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. PARI does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by PARI, PARI employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of PARI, or other visitors to the Site is solely at your own risk.
Contact us
Any questions? You can reach a customer service representative at:
804-253-7274
or 1-800-FAST-NEB (327-8632)
If you are looking to buy PARI products in a specific country, please click here
© 2024 PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.