Diagnosis of Asthma
Diagnosis of asthma involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests. The goal is to confirm reversible airway obstruction and rule out other causes of breathing difficulties.
1. Medical History
The healthcare provider will ask about:
- Frequency and pattern of symptoms
- Presence of allergies or family history of asthma
- Triggers that worsen breathing
- Past hospitalisations or use of emergency inhalers
2. Physical Examination
- The doctor will listen for wheezing using a stethoscope.
- Signs of allergic rhinitis or eczema may also support the diagnosis.
3. Lung Function Tests
a) Spirometry
- Measures how much air you can exhale and how fast
- Used to detect airway narrowing
- May be repeated after using a bronchodilator to see if symptoms improve
b) Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
- Simple device that tracks airflow during exhalation
- Useful for home monitoring and identifying asthma attacks
4. Other Tests
- Allergy testing (skin or blood tests)
- Chest X-ray to rule out other conditions if symptoms are atypical
In South Africa, spirometry is commonly done in GP practices, clinics, and specialist respiratory centres. Early diagnosis in children is especially important to prevent long-term lung damage.
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