Asthma tests

Because other illnesses and diseases can cause symptoms similar to asthma, you should see your doctor to determine if your problem is asthma or something else.

Asthma usually is diagnosed by history and breathing tests.

Be prepared to give specific information about when and under what circumstances your symptoms tend to occur. Your doctor probably will ask you some of the following questions.

• Do you have any allergy symptoms?
• What symptoms are you having?
• When do these symptoms usually occur?
• How often do you have problems?

Your answers to these questions will help your doctor develop a history of the problem. This history, together with a physical examination, will help your doctor decide if more tests are needed.

Additional tests may include the following.

• Spirometry. Spirometry involves blowing into a device called a spirometer. The spirometer measures the amount and speed of air you breathe out, indicating how open or narrow air passages are. Results are expressed as a percent adjusted for your age, sex and height.
• Chest X-ray. Chest X-rays help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. If no other lung disease is present, chest X-rays usually will be normal in a person who has asthma.

Call 952-993-3090 to make an appointment with a Park Nicollet asthma specialist.