10 Points for Your Best Answer?
Ok, i have a question i think i might have asthma how would the docter check me for that? Like what kind of test would the o and how do them?
Your Answer Questions and Comments:
BMI Calculator by Exclaim
My doctor had me blow into a tube with a meter on it.
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BMI Calculator by ♥Nicole
He will check your breathing & ask you questions like if you run out of breath fast. Hope you get better =)
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BMI Calculator by Amanda Leigh
There is not test for it honestly. i have never had asthma before but recently 2 years ago when i was 19 i started having shortness of breath and wheezing. I went to the doctor and she told me that I had asthma, after listening to my lungs, and prescribed me an inhaler. since then i use it when i have difficulty breathing and most of the time it works really well. it makes me a little jumpy, but other than that it helps.
The person that answered with the breathing into the tube thing, isnt to test for asthma, its to test how much your oxygen intake is. they also can put this little reader on the tip of your finger to test it as well. the doctor just has to listen to your lungs and can make a diagnosis from there. good luck. hope you feel better.
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BMI Calculator by Dang-God Didnt say Lifes rated R
ull have to blow into something to see if u test positive- good thing its not a Breathalyzer
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BMI Calculator by candy697...
They have tests where they make you breath into machines and the levels of oxygen pressure that you have will tell the doctor if you have asthma or not.
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BMI Calculator by veroncci
The doctor would use a stethescope and listen to your breathing. Usually after vigourous activity. They will most likely give you an inhailor.
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BMI Calculator by tbteddy6...
He will have you breath into a tube to test how strong you can breath, listen to your lungs..etc...
Pick me for the best answer, please, pretty please....I'll be your best friend...
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BMI Calculator by ♥FobxoPe...
They have this test on a computer and make you blow into this thing and they can determine if you have asthma that way. That's how they found out I have asthma
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BMI Calculator by Karmel
You would do a series of breathing test, check you heart rate and you pulse.. May take chest xrays also...
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BMI Calculator by suhailka...
He will ask about your daily life routines and ask if you had difficulty breathing at any time and then prescribe your treatment based on that..
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BMI Calculator by kingspad...
They wouldn't check you for it. They would see if you had any symptoms. Like if you have trouble breathing when you run or if you play sports
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BMI Calculator by Amy+Josh...
breathing treatments are a big one
maybe a culture
my brother found out bc one night he woke up and couldnt breathe and was blue
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BMI Calculator by these_gr...
i have asthma. my doctors did x rays of my lungs and had me do breathing tests with this tube. they also had me do a stress test which is basically putting you on a treadmill connected to a bunch or wires.
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BMI Calculator by IceSCREA...
they would have you breath deeply into a tube-like thing, with markings on the side. it's not that bad. and 'tube' is over exaggerating. its less than 8 in long, and has about a 3 in diameter. there's a little thing on one end, so that when you breath into it/blow into it, they measure how far it goes.
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BMI Calculator by vicky
The problem with diagnosing asthma is most of the time patients do not have obvious asthma symptoms when they arrive at the doctor’s office. For instance, you may have coughed and wheezed for a week, and by the time you see your doctor, you have no symptoms at all. Then suddenly, when you least expect it, you might have asthma attack symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Sometimes allergies to seasonal pollen or weather changes can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Other times, a viral infection such as cold or flu can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Smoking with asthma can worsen asthma symptoms, as can sinusitis and asthma. Even exercise or sudden stress or allergies to aspirin or other medications can cause asthma attack symptoms.
If you have asthma, you may go for weeks to months without having any asthma symptoms. That makes diagnosing asthma even more difficult -- unless you do some homework, figure out your asthma triggers and causes of asthma, and help your doctor make an accurate asthma diagnosis. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, you can learn to recognize and treat your asthma symptoms with the right asthma medications so asthma does not interrupt your busy life.
Diagnosing Asthma and Your Doctor
Your doctor or asthma specialist plays the first and most significant role in helping you get control of your asthma. Not only does your doctor serve as the one who can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment for your asthma, your doctor may become a close, dependable friend who can give you asthma support when your asthma concerns turn into ongoing worries and anxieties.
Not sure which type of doctor is right for you? See WebMD's Asthma Specialists.
At the initial examination, your doctor will obtain a detailed medical history, including any information on asthma symptoms, how you feel, known asthma and allergy triggers, your activity level and diet, your home and work environment, and family history. During this evaluation, it is important that you talk openly with your doctor about your asthma symptoms and triggers. Some questions you might consider beforehand include:
1. Can you describe your asthma symptoms?
(Check the following asthma signs and symptoms that apply to you)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing, possibly triggered by allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or bronchitis
- Frequent cough
- Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty talking
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
Diagnosing Asthma and Your Doctor continued...
-Pale, sweaty face
-Blue lips or fingernails
2. When do you experience these asthma symptoms?
- All the time; unpredictable
- Only with exercise
- At nighttime
- Early morning hours while sleeping
- During pollen season
- When you feel stressed or anxious
- When you smell smoke
- When you smell fragrance
- When you’re around dogs or cats
- When you’re in air-conditioning or breathe cold air
- When you laugh or sing
- Associated with allergies, a sinus infection, or postnasal drip
- Associated with heartburn or GERD
- When you take aspirin, other anti-inflammatory painkillers, or other medication
3. Do you have a family history of asthma or allergy?
4. Do you get bronchitis frequently?
5. Have you been diagnosed with asthma previously?
Diagnosing Asthma and Asthma Tests
After talking with you about your asthma symptoms and possible asthma triggers, your doctor will do a physical examination, laboratory testing, and other possible asthma tests. This will allow you to have a firm understanding of your breathing problems and will be the basis for the suggested plan of asthma treatment.
For more detail, see WebMD’s article Asthma Tests.
Your doctor may use one or more of the following asthma tests in diagnosing asthma. These tests are used to assess your breathing and to monitor the effectiveness of asthma treatment.
Spirometry -- a pulmonary function test that measures how much air you can exhale. This asthma test confirms the presence of airway obstruction that improves with treatment, which is very characteristic of asthma, and can accurately measure the degree of lung function impairment. This test can also monitor your response to asthma medications and is recommended for adults and children over age 5.
For more information, see WebMD's Pulmonary Function Tests.
Peak Flow Testing – a self-assessment you can do at home to evaluate lung function. The peak flow rate (PEFR) provides a reliable objective measure of airway function. Your doctor will go over how to use a peak flow meter, which involves taking a deep breath and blowing out as hard as you can. Peak flow is the highest airflow velocity that you can achieve. When done accurately, a drop in the peak flow measurement reflects an obstruction in your airways. While peak flow is less accurate than office spirometry for monitoring of lung function, peak flow monitoring at home can help you manage your symptoms at home and help indicate when an asthma attack may be approaching.
For more information, see WebMD’s Using a Peak Flow Meter.
Chest X-Ray – while not routinely required, if there are symptoms that may be caused by another condition such as pneumonia, your doctor may want to do a chest X-ray. Or, if your asthma treatment is not working as well as it should, a chest X-ray may help to clarify the problem.
Diagnosing Asthma Accurately
In diagnosing asthma, your doctor may order other asthma tests, including a methacholine challenge test. Methacholine is an agent that, when inhaled, causes airways to spasm and narrow if asthma is present. For more information, see WebMD's Pulmonary Function Tests.
Not everyone needs every asthma test. Trust your doctor to decide which set of asthma tests is best in your case to ensure no other medical problems are present. This can help you avoid extra testing that may add little to your diagnosis and only increases the number of tests and expense. If you still do not feel comfortable with the asthma diagnosis, talk to your doctor to see if more testing is necessary. Or, get a second opinion until you have peace of mind that the asthma or breathing problem has been diagnosed correctly. Then, proper asthma treatments can begin.
Getting back in control of your asthma depends on an accurate asthma diagnosis and asthma support. Once asthma is properly diagnosed, your doctor can prescribe the most effective asthma treatments, including an asthma inhaler and inhaled steroids that can relieve your breathing problems and help with prevention of asthma symptoms.
Be Ready to Ask Questions
If you’re unsure what to ask your doctor at your appointment, we’ve provided some suggested questions for your visit with the asthma specialist
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BMI Calculator by :D
He would make you breathe into a machine connected to a computer with a picture on it like a birthday cake with candles and you would have to blow into like a tube and depending on how hard and long you can blow that candle on the "cake" will go out and that way the docter can tell if you have asthma
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BMI Calculator by Stine
Take note of why you think you have asthma, and when/where the symptoms occur. Do you wheeze when you exercise? When you're around certain allergens (plants, animals, dust, etc)? Does breathing become difficult?
Then talk to your doctor, telling him/her these things. S/he will check your breathing and ask some questions, and then come up with a treatment option (usually some sort of inhaler). If you don't have a regular doctor, go to the emergency room the next time you have a severe episode that you think is related to having asthma.
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BMI Calculator by tina
they are going to do a lung function test..
mostly just breathing to see if you are wheezing or not...
there's is nothing major or nothing painful about the test
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BMI Calculator by iLoVeAnI...
Oh well I am 12 years old and i had an asthma test and i had to blow into this tube and its not that bad! and they look at ur resaults and that tells rather u have asthma or not! they wont hurt you in anyway! i promis!
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BMI Calculator by Cherry Mic
he just will ask you some questions about what its like when you are running and stuff like that and they might have you take this thing how to check how strong your breathe is like weak or stuff but no pins or needles :O) also they may try and make you have an asthma attack (but not a horribly bad one)
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BMI Calculator by Smartgir...
he'll use stethascope to check your heartbeat, he'll make you breathe while he does it,then he'll go back into the office, consult with other doctors about the results. if it is positive, he'll give you an inhaler, if not, you leave happily.
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BMI Calculator by eyebtire...
they have you blow into an air flow meter a number of times to determine your pressure output, they listen to your lung as you breath to see if there is any wheezing or rattle. that's pretty much it for the tests. if your flow is below a certain pressure for your age they'll usually try some breathing treatments or just prescribe some qvar and albuterol inhalers. you'll probably have to go to a class on asthma, too.
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BMI Calculator by nonsensi...
they listen to your breathing, then measure your peek flow, how much air your lungs can hold they then compare this with what your peek flow should be by checking your age weight and height if it is alot below what it should be for example mine should be 600 and is only 370 (i have asthma) and if it is they prescribe you with inhalers and ask you to get regular check ups where they repeat these tests if the asthma gets worse they then give you pills aswell, if you think you have asthma you should get it checked out soon
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BMI Calculator by Spacecat
Make sure you go to the right kind of doctor.
That would be a pulmonary medicine doctor.
There are a few accurate breathing tests that are painless and can diagnose your respiratory problem accurately.
And if you smoke, quit.
Good luck, sweetie.
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BMI Calculator by Kristine V
not so sure... but i think they will ask you first about what you feel and encountered. then, they will also ask your family background about asthma... when i accompanied my cousin to the doctor, it happened that she has asthma too...
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BMI Calculator by Irene C
Your doctor will probably order a test called pulmonary function test during which you will blow into tube. The device will measure how much volume you can blow.
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BMI Calculator by teacher4...
you will take breathing analyzer test you blow into a tube and it measures your air flow also they will x ray your chest and listen to your lungs. it will be better to determine if you have asthma when you are being seen during an asthma attack
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BMI Calculator by lisa w
There are several test that the doctor should do. He should have you blow into a peak flow meter. that measures how much air your lungs are exhailing. he should also listen to your breath sounds. this is to see if you are moving air correctly, wheezing or have rattles in you breath sounds. Also he should do a PFT test. this is a pulonary function test. This measures several things in your breathing. Also, a chest x- might be ordered. And he should ask you about your activities or what you are doing when it triggers these attacks.
You should go to a pulmonologist. In some areas there are medical offices that only see people with allergies and asthma.
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BMI Calculator by !!Just Peachy!!
How to Tell if You Have Asthma
Have you, or someone you know, been diagnosed with asthma? If so, you probably have lots of questions.
You may wonder, for example, just what asthma is. The medical definition of asthma is simple, but the condition itself is quite complex.
Doctors define asthma as a "chronic inflammatory disease of the airway" that causes the following symptoms:
Chronic (regular) cough.
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
A feeling of tightness in the chest
If you suspect you might have asthma, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and your family's and also perform lung-function tests. Additionally, he or she may prescribe medications that can conclusively determine whether or not you have asthma.
Being Diagnosed - Knowing for Sure if You've Got Asthma
Symptoms of asthma come and go; you may experience some of them and yet not know for certain whether you've got asthma or not. For example, you might experience trouble breathing with exercise or get more 'chest' infections than other people do.
Persistent cough is a common sign of lung disease. Coughing is a major feature of asthma, especially in children. If your infant or child coughs to the point of vomiting, discuss the possibility of asthma with your doctor. There are reasons other than asthma for a long-term cough, like whooping cough and postnasal drip.
Only a doctor can diagnose asthma. Conditions such as pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have to be ruled out before your doctor can be certain that you have asthma.
It is important to talk to your doctor about all of your concerns and to ask lots of questions. Something that you may not think is relevant may be useful in pinpointing the problem. Use the checklist found at the end of the booklet called 'Diagnosis' to help you prepare for a discussion with your doctor.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor will evaluate some or all of the following:
Your medical history
Your family history
What your symptoms are, how frequently they occur and whether they improve with medication
Whether you have allergies
What your individual triggers are (that is, what things or situations tend to lead to your experiencing asthma symptoms)
Your lung function, using tests like peak flow monitoring and spirometry to determine how quickly you can expel air
You are more likely to have asthma if you have a parent or close relative with allergies and/or asthma. Your chance of having asthma is also increased if you have a history of:
Wheezing, even though you did not have a cold
Inflammation in the nose, called allergic rhinitis
Eczema, an allergic skin condition
Associated Conditions
Asthma & Allergies
Many people with asthma also have allergies, and your doctor may refer you to an allergist if you are experiencing asthma symptoms. However, just as not everyone who has allergies develops asthma, not everyone who has asthma has allergies. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact relationship between the two.
No one is born with an allergy, but you can have a genetic tendency to develop one. If both your parents have allergies, you will have a 75% chance of also developing them.
Asthma and allergies are related, but they are not the same thing. An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is usually harmless. These substances (allergens) can be inhaled, injected, swallowed, or touched. Being exposed to an allergen may cause irritation and swelling in specific areas of the body, such as the nose, eyes, lungs, and skin. Allergens like pollen, mould, animal dander and dust mites can make asthma symptoms worse by increasing the inflammation in the airways and making them more sensitive. The best way to find out if you are allergic to something is to have an allergy assessment done.
Rhinitis & Sinusitis
Rhinitis and sinusitis are different but related conditions, that often make asthma symptoms worse.
Rhinitis is when the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and it usually occurs after exposure to an aeroallergen such ragweed. Sinusitis is when the lining of the sinus cavities become inflamed and infected and this generally happens after a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.
If you have asthma and also develop rhinitis or sinusitis, your doctor may recommend nasal corticosteroid sprays or other treatments in addition to your regular asthma medication. By managing your sinusitis or rhinitis, your asthma will be better controlled.
To find out more about the differences between sinusitis, rhinitis, the common cold and the flu, as well as detailed prevention and treatment options, see our 'Comparison Chart'.
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is short form for gastro esophageal reflux disease or acid reflux.
In most people, GERD is simply ordinary heartburn. Acid reflux can cause asthma symptoms, particularly coughing, when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the airways of the lungs.
If you do not respond to conventional asthma treatments, or if your asthma symptoms appear to be associated with heartburn, ask your doctor to have you checked for acid reflux.
Talk to Your Doctor
As you have learned, asthma affects different people in different ways, and its symptoms can vary over time. That's why it's so important to work closely with your doctor or an asthma educator to determine the medications and management strategies that are right for you.
Source(s):
http://www.asthma.ca/adults/about/howToT...
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BMI Calculator by teenwitc...
A Top Contributor is someone who is knowledgeable in a particular category.
i have asthma and I'm pretty sure all they need is your oxygen levels and to listen to your lungs
i was diagnosed at like 2 years old so i don't remember how they did it but now all they need to do is listen to see if I'm wheezing
why do you think you have asthma? is it hard to breathe or do you have rattling in your chest? if you can answer that then i could maybe help you more
thanks Melly
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BMI Calculator by melissa
breathing and a stethescope.
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BMI Calculator by John Jones, the Florida Gyn
A Top Contributor is someone who is knowledgeable in a particular category.
Basically, there is a respiratory therapy test designed to evaluate your lung capacity. As described by others in this forum, you'll basically have to breath in and then blow hard into some sort of device that will eventually allow the respiratory therapist to determine if your lung capacity and/or breathing is impaired.
Sorry to not be solid on describing the whole scene, but I'm a gynecologist. I don't have to deal with diagnosing asthma for the most part.
John Jones, M.D.
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BMI Calculator by phil
There are differences in asthma which can be brought on by a multitude of things (anxiety =nerves =panic) the list is endless But if you have asthma your guaranteed your doc will give you a ********.To make sure your pipes are in order:)
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BMI Calculator by shybytch
Alright I do have asthma, believe it or not there are different types of asthma. I have exercise induced asthma, this means if I over exert myself I could start to cough uncontrollably. To determine whether or not you actually have asthma I had to blow into a peak flow meter. This determines how much lung capacity you have. Then they ask a serious of questions, like do you have shortness of breath,or a dry constant cough.
A lot of people have a cough only; they don't even wheeze. They don't realize that's a symptom of asthma. And of course, wheezing is the classic symptom.
Source(s):
Triggers for an asthma attack include:
Cold weather
Pollen
Drugs
Food additives
Exercise
Pollutants from cars
http://wcco.com/health/Screening.For.Ast...
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BMI Calculator by John R
They have a device which measures how much lung capacity your lungs have when you exhale is one way they check you out, they also will take either a x-ray or MRI of your chest to see if you have damaged parts inside your lungs. There are other tests they can do, but I can't recall them.
A doctor will be able to explain them to you before they do any of them. If you think you have it, then by all means go to the doctor and get yourself checked out, all the tests they will do to find out are mostly painless in nature so you have no fear on that point. You need to find out as soon as you can, it is easier to treat the sooner they find out if you have it or not.
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BMI Calculator by willow-t...
YOu have to inhale into a tube and a machine measures your lung capacity. YOu will be asked to take a deep breath and blow as hard and fast as you can. It's painless. They will also want to do a RAST test to see what you are allergic too..because asthma is all about allergies. Good luck to you.
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Ok, i have a question i think i might have asthma how would the docter check me for that? Like what kind of test would the o and how do them?
Your Answer Questions and Comments:
BMI Calculator by Exclaim
My doctor had me blow into a tube with a meter on it.
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BMI Calculator by ♥Nicole
He will check your breathing & ask you questions like if you run out of breath fast. Hope you get better =)
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by Amanda Leigh
There is not test for it honestly. i have never had asthma before but recently 2 years ago when i was 19 i started having shortness of breath and wheezing. I went to the doctor and she told me that I had asthma, after listening to my lungs, and prescribed me an inhaler. since then i use it when i have difficulty breathing and most of the time it works really well. it makes me a little jumpy, but other than that it helps.
The person that answered with the breathing into the tube thing, isnt to test for asthma, its to test how much your oxygen intake is. they also can put this little reader on the tip of your finger to test it as well. the doctor just has to listen to your lungs and can make a diagnosis from there. good luck. hope you feel better.
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BMI Calculator by Dang-God Didnt say Lifes rated R
ull have to blow into something to see if u test positive- good thing its not a Breathalyzer
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BMI Calculator by candy697...
They have tests where they make you breath into machines and the levels of oxygen pressure that you have will tell the doctor if you have asthma or not.
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by veroncci
The doctor would use a stethescope and listen to your breathing. Usually after vigourous activity. They will most likely give you an inhailor.
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by tbteddy6...
He will have you breath into a tube to test how strong you can breath, listen to your lungs..etc...
Pick me for the best answer, please, pretty please....I'll be your best friend...
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by ♥FobxoPe...
They have this test on a computer and make you blow into this thing and they can determine if you have asthma that way. That's how they found out I have asthma
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by Karmel
You would do a series of breathing test, check you heart rate and you pulse.. May take chest xrays also...
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by suhailka...
He will ask about your daily life routines and ask if you had difficulty breathing at any time and then prescribe your treatment based on that..
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by kingspad...
They wouldn't check you for it. They would see if you had any symptoms. Like if you have trouble breathing when you run or if you play sports
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by Amy+Josh...
breathing treatments are a big one
maybe a culture
my brother found out bc one night he woke up and couldnt breathe and was blue
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by these_gr...
i have asthma. my doctors did x rays of my lungs and had me do breathing tests with this tube. they also had me do a stress test which is basically putting you on a treadmill connected to a bunch or wires.
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by IceSCREA...
they would have you breath deeply into a tube-like thing, with markings on the side. it's not that bad. and 'tube' is over exaggerating. its less than 8 in long, and has about a 3 in diameter. there's a little thing on one end, so that when you breath into it/blow into it, they measure how far it goes.
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BMI Calculator by vicky
The problem with diagnosing asthma is most of the time patients do not have obvious asthma symptoms when they arrive at the doctor’s office. For instance, you may have coughed and wheezed for a week, and by the time you see your doctor, you have no symptoms at all. Then suddenly, when you least expect it, you might have asthma attack symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Sometimes allergies to seasonal pollen or weather changes can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Other times, a viral infection such as cold or flu can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Smoking with asthma can worsen asthma symptoms, as can sinusitis and asthma. Even exercise or sudden stress or allergies to aspirin or other medications can cause asthma attack symptoms.
If you have asthma, you may go for weeks to months without having any asthma symptoms. That makes diagnosing asthma even more difficult -- unless you do some homework, figure out your asthma triggers and causes of asthma, and help your doctor make an accurate asthma diagnosis. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, you can learn to recognize and treat your asthma symptoms with the right asthma medications so asthma does not interrupt your busy life.
Diagnosing Asthma and Your Doctor
Your doctor or asthma specialist plays the first and most significant role in helping you get control of your asthma. Not only does your doctor serve as the one who can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment for your asthma, your doctor may become a close, dependable friend who can give you asthma support when your asthma concerns turn into ongoing worries and anxieties.
Not sure which type of doctor is right for you? See WebMD's Asthma Specialists.
At the initial examination, your doctor will obtain a detailed medical history, including any information on asthma symptoms, how you feel, known asthma and allergy triggers, your activity level and diet, your home and work environment, and family history. During this evaluation, it is important that you talk openly with your doctor about your asthma symptoms and triggers. Some questions you might consider beforehand include:
1. Can you describe your asthma symptoms?
(Check the following asthma signs and symptoms that apply to you)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing, possibly triggered by allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or bronchitis
- Frequent cough
- Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty talking
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
Diagnosing Asthma and Your Doctor continued...
-Pale, sweaty face
-Blue lips or fingernails
2. When do you experience these asthma symptoms?
- All the time; unpredictable
- Only with exercise
- At nighttime
- Early morning hours while sleeping
- During pollen season
- When you feel stressed or anxious
- When you smell smoke
- When you smell fragrance
- When you’re around dogs or cats
- When you’re in air-conditioning or breathe cold air
- When you laugh or sing
- Associated with allergies, a sinus infection, or postnasal drip
- Associated with heartburn or GERD
- When you take aspirin, other anti-inflammatory painkillers, or other medication
3. Do you have a family history of asthma or allergy?
4. Do you get bronchitis frequently?
5. Have you been diagnosed with asthma previously?
Diagnosing Asthma and Asthma Tests
After talking with you about your asthma symptoms and possible asthma triggers, your doctor will do a physical examination, laboratory testing, and other possible asthma tests. This will allow you to have a firm understanding of your breathing problems and will be the basis for the suggested plan of asthma treatment.
For more detail, see WebMD’s article Asthma Tests.
Your doctor may use one or more of the following asthma tests in diagnosing asthma. These tests are used to assess your breathing and to monitor the effectiveness of asthma treatment.
Spirometry -- a pulmonary function test that measures how much air you can exhale. This asthma test confirms the presence of airway obstruction that improves with treatment, which is very characteristic of asthma, and can accurately measure the degree of lung function impairment. This test can also monitor your response to asthma medications and is recommended for adults and children over age 5.
For more information, see WebMD's Pulmonary Function Tests.
Peak Flow Testing – a self-assessment you can do at home to evaluate lung function. The peak flow rate (PEFR) provides a reliable objective measure of airway function. Your doctor will go over how to use a peak flow meter, which involves taking a deep breath and blowing out as hard as you can. Peak flow is the highest airflow velocity that you can achieve. When done accurately, a drop in the peak flow measurement reflects an obstruction in your airways. While peak flow is less accurate than office spirometry for monitoring of lung function, peak flow monitoring at home can help you manage your symptoms at home and help indicate when an asthma attack may be approaching.
For more information, see WebMD’s Using a Peak Flow Meter.
Chest X-Ray – while not routinely required, if there are symptoms that may be caused by another condition such as pneumonia, your doctor may want to do a chest X-ray. Or, if your asthma treatment is not working as well as it should, a chest X-ray may help to clarify the problem.
Diagnosing Asthma Accurately
In diagnosing asthma, your doctor may order other asthma tests, including a methacholine challenge test. Methacholine is an agent that, when inhaled, causes airways to spasm and narrow if asthma is present. For more information, see WebMD's Pulmonary Function Tests.
Not everyone needs every asthma test. Trust your doctor to decide which set of asthma tests is best in your case to ensure no other medical problems are present. This can help you avoid extra testing that may add little to your diagnosis and only increases the number of tests and expense. If you still do not feel comfortable with the asthma diagnosis, talk to your doctor to see if more testing is necessary. Or, get a second opinion until you have peace of mind that the asthma or breathing problem has been diagnosed correctly. Then, proper asthma treatments can begin.
Getting back in control of your asthma depends on an accurate asthma diagnosis and asthma support. Once asthma is properly diagnosed, your doctor can prescribe the most effective asthma treatments, including an asthma inhaler and inhaled steroids that can relieve your breathing problems and help with prevention of asthma symptoms.
Be Ready to Ask Questions
If you’re unsure what to ask your doctor at your appointment, we’ve provided some suggested questions for your visit with the asthma specialist
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by :D
He would make you breathe into a machine connected to a computer with a picture on it like a birthday cake with candles and you would have to blow into like a tube and depending on how hard and long you can blow that candle on the "cake" will go out and that way the docter can tell if you have asthma
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by Stine
Take note of why you think you have asthma, and when/where the symptoms occur. Do you wheeze when you exercise? When you're around certain allergens (plants, animals, dust, etc)? Does breathing become difficult?
Then talk to your doctor, telling him/her these things. S/he will check your breathing and ask some questions, and then come up with a treatment option (usually some sort of inhaler). If you don't have a regular doctor, go to the emergency room the next time you have a severe episode that you think is related to having asthma.
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by tina
they are going to do a lung function test..
mostly just breathing to see if you are wheezing or not...
there's is nothing major or nothing painful about the test
-----------------------------------------
BMI Calculator by iLoVeAnI...
Oh well I am 12 years old and i had an asthma test and i had to blow into this tube and its not that bad! and they look at ur resaults and that tells rather u have asthma or not! they wont hurt you in anyway! i promis!
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BMI Calculator by Cherry Mic
he just will ask you some questions about what its like when you are running and stuff like that and they might have you take this thing how to check how strong your breathe is like weak or stuff but no pins or needles :O) also they may try and make you have an asthma attack (but not a horribly bad one)
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BMI Calculator by Smartgir...
he'll use stethascope to check your heartbeat, he'll make you breathe while he does it,then he'll go back into the office, consult with other doctors about the results. if it is positive, he'll give you an inhaler, if not, you leave happily.
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BMI Calculator by eyebtire...
they have you blow into an air flow meter a number of times to determine your pressure output, they listen to your lung as you breath to see if there is any wheezing or rattle. that's pretty much it for the tests. if your flow is below a certain pressure for your age they'll usually try some breathing treatments or just prescribe some qvar and albuterol inhalers. you'll probably have to go to a class on asthma, too.
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BMI Calculator by nonsensi...
they listen to your breathing, then measure your peek flow, how much air your lungs can hold they then compare this with what your peek flow should be by checking your age weight and height if it is alot below what it should be for example mine should be 600 and is only 370 (i have asthma) and if it is they prescribe you with inhalers and ask you to get regular check ups where they repeat these tests if the asthma gets worse they then give you pills aswell, if you think you have asthma you should get it checked out soon
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BMI Calculator by Spacecat
Make sure you go to the right kind of doctor.
That would be a pulmonary medicine doctor.
There are a few accurate breathing tests that are painless and can diagnose your respiratory problem accurately.
And if you smoke, quit.
Good luck, sweetie.
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BMI Calculator by Kristine V
not so sure... but i think they will ask you first about what you feel and encountered. then, they will also ask your family background about asthma... when i accompanied my cousin to the doctor, it happened that she has asthma too...
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BMI Calculator by Irene C
Your doctor will probably order a test called pulmonary function test during which you will blow into tube. The device will measure how much volume you can blow.
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BMI Calculator by teacher4...
you will take breathing analyzer test you blow into a tube and it measures your air flow also they will x ray your chest and listen to your lungs. it will be better to determine if you have asthma when you are being seen during an asthma attack
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BMI Calculator by lisa w
There are several test that the doctor should do. He should have you blow into a peak flow meter. that measures how much air your lungs are exhailing. he should also listen to your breath sounds. this is to see if you are moving air correctly, wheezing or have rattles in you breath sounds. Also he should do a PFT test. this is a pulonary function test. This measures several things in your breathing. Also, a chest x- might be ordered. And he should ask you about your activities or what you are doing when it triggers these attacks.
You should go to a pulmonologist. In some areas there are medical offices that only see people with allergies and asthma.
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BMI Calculator by !!Just Peachy!!
How to Tell if You Have Asthma
Have you, or someone you know, been diagnosed with asthma? If so, you probably have lots of questions.
You may wonder, for example, just what asthma is. The medical definition of asthma is simple, but the condition itself is quite complex.
Doctors define asthma as a "chronic inflammatory disease of the airway" that causes the following symptoms:
Chronic (regular) cough.
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
A feeling of tightness in the chest
If you suspect you might have asthma, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and your family's and also perform lung-function tests. Additionally, he or she may prescribe medications that can conclusively determine whether or not you have asthma.
Being Diagnosed - Knowing for Sure if You've Got Asthma
Symptoms of asthma come and go; you may experience some of them and yet not know for certain whether you've got asthma or not. For example, you might experience trouble breathing with exercise or get more 'chest' infections than other people do.
Persistent cough is a common sign of lung disease. Coughing is a major feature of asthma, especially in children. If your infant or child coughs to the point of vomiting, discuss the possibility of asthma with your doctor. There are reasons other than asthma for a long-term cough, like whooping cough and postnasal drip.
Only a doctor can diagnose asthma. Conditions such as pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have to be ruled out before your doctor can be certain that you have asthma.
It is important to talk to your doctor about all of your concerns and to ask lots of questions. Something that you may not think is relevant may be useful in pinpointing the problem. Use the checklist found at the end of the booklet called 'Diagnosis' to help you prepare for a discussion with your doctor.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor will evaluate some or all of the following:
Your medical history
Your family history
What your symptoms are, how frequently they occur and whether they improve with medication
Whether you have allergies
What your individual triggers are (that is, what things or situations tend to lead to your experiencing asthma symptoms)
Your lung function, using tests like peak flow monitoring and spirometry to determine how quickly you can expel air
You are more likely to have asthma if you have a parent or close relative with allergies and/or asthma. Your chance of having asthma is also increased if you have a history of:
Wheezing, even though you did not have a cold
Inflammation in the nose, called allergic rhinitis
Eczema, an allergic skin condition
Associated Conditions
Asthma & Allergies
Many people with asthma also have allergies, and your doctor may refer you to an allergist if you are experiencing asthma symptoms. However, just as not everyone who has allergies develops asthma, not everyone who has asthma has allergies. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact relationship between the two.
No one is born with an allergy, but you can have a genetic tendency to develop one. If both your parents have allergies, you will have a 75% chance of also developing them.
Asthma and allergies are related, but they are not the same thing. An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is usually harmless. These substances (allergens) can be inhaled, injected, swallowed, or touched. Being exposed to an allergen may cause irritation and swelling in specific areas of the body, such as the nose, eyes, lungs, and skin. Allergens like pollen, mould, animal dander and dust mites can make asthma symptoms worse by increasing the inflammation in the airways and making them more sensitive. The best way to find out if you are allergic to something is to have an allergy assessment done.
Rhinitis & Sinusitis
Rhinitis and sinusitis are different but related conditions, that often make asthma symptoms worse.
Rhinitis is when the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and it usually occurs after exposure to an aeroallergen such ragweed. Sinusitis is when the lining of the sinus cavities become inflamed and infected and this generally happens after a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.
If you have asthma and also develop rhinitis or sinusitis, your doctor may recommend nasal corticosteroid sprays or other treatments in addition to your regular asthma medication. By managing your sinusitis or rhinitis, your asthma will be better controlled.
To find out more about the differences between sinusitis, rhinitis, the common cold and the flu, as well as detailed prevention and treatment options, see our 'Comparison Chart'.
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is short form for gastro esophageal reflux disease or acid reflux.
In most people, GERD is simply ordinary heartburn. Acid reflux can cause asthma symptoms, particularly coughing, when stomach acid travels up the esophagus and irritates the airways of the lungs.
If you do not respond to conventional asthma treatments, or if your asthma symptoms appear to be associated with heartburn, ask your doctor to have you checked for acid reflux.
Talk to Your Doctor
As you have learned, asthma affects different people in different ways, and its symptoms can vary over time. That's why it's so important to work closely with your doctor or an asthma educator to determine the medications and management strategies that are right for you.
Source(s):
http://www.asthma.ca/adults/about/howToT...
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BMI Calculator by teenwitc...
A Top Contributor is someone who is knowledgeable in a particular category.
i have asthma and I'm pretty sure all they need is your oxygen levels and to listen to your lungs
i was diagnosed at like 2 years old so i don't remember how they did it but now all they need to do is listen to see if I'm wheezing
why do you think you have asthma? is it hard to breathe or do you have rattling in your chest? if you can answer that then i could maybe help you more
thanks Melly
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BMI Calculator by melissa
breathing and a stethescope.
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BMI Calculator by John Jones, the Florida Gyn
A Top Contributor is someone who is knowledgeable in a particular category.
Basically, there is a respiratory therapy test designed to evaluate your lung capacity. As described by others in this forum, you'll basically have to breath in and then blow hard into some sort of device that will eventually allow the respiratory therapist to determine if your lung capacity and/or breathing is impaired.
Sorry to not be solid on describing the whole scene, but I'm a gynecologist. I don't have to deal with diagnosing asthma for the most part.
John Jones, M.D.
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BMI Calculator by phil
There are differences in asthma which can be brought on by a multitude of things (anxiety =nerves =panic) the list is endless But if you have asthma your guaranteed your doc will give you a ********.To make sure your pipes are in order:)
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BMI Calculator by shybytch
Alright I do have asthma, believe it or not there are different types of asthma. I have exercise induced asthma, this means if I over exert myself I could start to cough uncontrollably. To determine whether or not you actually have asthma I had to blow into a peak flow meter. This determines how much lung capacity you have. Then they ask a serious of questions, like do you have shortness of breath,or a dry constant cough.
A lot of people have a cough only; they don't even wheeze. They don't realize that's a symptom of asthma. And of course, wheezing is the classic symptom.
Source(s):
Triggers for an asthma attack include:
Cold weather
Pollen
Drugs
Food additives
Exercise
Pollutants from cars
http://wcco.com/health/Screening.For.Ast...
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BMI Calculator by John R
They have a device which measures how much lung capacity your lungs have when you exhale is one way they check you out, they also will take either a x-ray or MRI of your chest to see if you have damaged parts inside your lungs. There are other tests they can do, but I can't recall them.
A doctor will be able to explain them to you before they do any of them. If you think you have it, then by all means go to the doctor and get yourself checked out, all the tests they will do to find out are mostly painless in nature so you have no fear on that point. You need to find out as soon as you can, it is easier to treat the sooner they find out if you have it or not.
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BMI Calculator by willow-t...
YOu have to inhale into a tube and a machine measures your lung capacity. YOu will be asked to take a deep breath and blow as hard and fast as you can. It's painless. They will also want to do a RAST test to see what you are allergic too..because asthma is all about allergies. Good luck to you.
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