UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA
RISK AND DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA
People at risk
Although we know that cigarette smoke, allergies, exposure to chemicals and dust at work could possibly cause Asthma, there are other factors that may increase your risk of developing Asthma.
These include: 2
- High air pollution areas
- Mould and damp in homes
- Furry pets, especially cats
- Antibiotic treatment from a very young age
- Being overweight and following an unhealthy diet
Reliever Reliance
Are you over-reliant on your blue reliever inhaler? Complete the Reliever Over-Reliance Test to find out.
Diagnosis
Sometimes we jump to conclusions when we are not feeling 100 %. The best is to stay calm and allow a professional to do a thorough diagnosis. It is possible that as many as 50 % of Asthma cases may
be undiagnosed. 1
For your doctor to diagnose you, they will consider three things: 1,8
- Symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as the patterns in which you experience these symptoms
- Your family history
- Results of test(s) they will perform
There are a few tests that your doctor may run to confirm if you suffer from Asthma. 1,3,5
Spirometry Test
A Spirometry Test measures your breathing and lung function, and is done
by a trained healthcare professional. You will be asked to blow into a spirometer machine linked to a computer which gives you a lung function reading.
Reversibility Test
A Reversibility Test compares your spirometry reading before and after you have taken Asthma medication, to see if
there is an improvement.
Methacholine Challenge Test
A Methacholine Challenge Test is sometimes used when Asthma is difficult to diagnose, e.g. if you have a history
of Asthma in your family and Asthma symptoms, yet your spirometry reading
is normal. Methacholine is a chemical which is known to trigger Asthma. To help diagnose your symptoms
your doctor will ask you to breathe in Methacholine through a nebuliser and
assess your reaction to it.
Peak Flow Test
A Peak Flow Test is a breathing test which uses a peak flow meter to measure
how fast you breathe air out of your lungs. This rate is called your “peak
flow”. Your peak flow can be measured over a period of time, even when you are
symptom-free. A Peak Flow Test can be carried out by a healthcare professional or by you at home.
Exercise Test
An Exercise Test compares your lung function before and after exercise to check if exercise is triggering your symptoms.
Blood and Skin Allergy Test
A Blood and Skin Allergy Test checks what allergies might be triggering your symptoms.
Spirometry Test
Viral or bacterial respiratory infections, like a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Reversibility Test
A Reversibility Test compares your spirometry reading before and after you have taken Asthma medication, to see if there is an improvement.
Methacholine Challenge Test
A Methacholine Challenge Test is sometimes used when Asthma is difficult to diagnose, e.g. if you have a history of Asthma in your family and Asthma symptoms, yet your spirometry reading
is normal. Methacholine is a chemical which is known to trigger Asthma. To help diagnose your symptoms
your doctor will ask you to breathe in Methacholine through a nebuliser and
assess your reaction to it.
Peak Flow Test
A Peak Flow Test is a breathing test which uses a peak flow meter to measure how fast you breathe air out of your lungs. This rate is called your “peak flow”. Your peak flow can be measured over a period of time, even when you are symptom-free. A Peak Flow Test can be carried out by a healthcare professional or by you at home.
Exercise Test
An Exercise Test compares your lung function before and after exercise to check if exercise is triggering your symptoms.
Blood and Skin Allergy Test
A Blood and Skin Allergy Test checks what allergies might be triggering your symptoms.
