Sample questions for the diagnosis and initial assessment of asthma.
A yes to any question suggests that asthma is likely.
In the past 12 months ...
-
Sudden severe episode or recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
-
Colds that go to chest or take more than 10 days to get over.
-
Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath during a particular season or time of the year.
-
Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath in certain places or when exposed to certain things (e.g. animals, tobacco smoke, perfumes.)
-
Ever used any medicines that help you breathe better, and how often.
-
Are your symptoms relieved when the medications are used.
In the past 4 weeks, any episodes of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
-
At night that has awakened you.
-
In the early morning.
-
After running, moderate exertion, or other physical activity.
Spirometry Peak flow meter
Diagnosis of Asthma
 |
It is based upon typical history and clinical examination of lungs. |
|
|
In doubtful cases, Spirometry is done to confirm or rule out asthma. |
|
|
Spirometry is also used, to assess improvement or deterioration of condition of lungs and to study effects of medicines and aggravating factors in a known case of asthma. |
|
|
Peak flow meter is used, to both diagnose and to monitor condition of lungs in an asthma patients in a day to day basis. |
Spiro meter
|
|
A machine that measures and records the amount of inhaled and exhaled air, used to test the health of the lungs. Information is recorded on a chart, called a Spiro gram |
Spirometry
|
|
Laboratory test of the lungs by means of a Spiro meter. |
Related investigations in a patient of asthma.
 |
Spirometry. (Pulmonary or lung function test-PFT) |
|
|
Peak flow meter measurement. |
|
|
X ray Chest.( assess degree of lung damage, chest infection) |
|
|
Absolute Eosinophils count. ( measures amount of allergy) |
|
|
Blood counts and Hemoglobin. |
|
|
Arterial blood gas analysis to measure blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in case of serious patients. |
|
|
Skin tests for allergy when indicated. |
|
|
Sputum examination for inflammatory ceils, bacteria, mucus plugs). |