How is asthma diagnosed?

Lung testing.: Asthma involves inflammation, muscle spasm and mucus production in the airways. It is diagnosed by history, physical exam, and lung function testing. Patients often complain of chest tightness, wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath. It can occur in any age group, although it is the most common chronic illness in children.

History, exam, test: The patient history generally is the largest clue regarding the presence of asthma as the exam and pulmonary function testing are frequently normal. If the patient is symptomatic, an irritant challenge can be diagnostic, but those tests are not perfect.

Diagnosis...: Asthma can be diagnosed on clinical grounds if your doctor hears you wheezing with a stethoscope on more than one occasion. Since most asthmatics have no symptoms between episodes, this is not always possible. Asthma can also be diagnosed with pulmonary function testing, including bronchoprovocation testing, if necessary, .