Description

How is asthma diagnosed? What are the symptoms of asthma? Dr. James Li, Chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases at the Mayo Clinic, answers.

Transcript

Nadine: Hi! My name is Nadine and I am from Montverde, Florida and I would like to know how is Asthma diagnosed? James Li: Nadine that's a very good question. Asthma is primarily diagnosed clinically, which means that the doctor will hear and listen to the story of the problem, and if the nature of the problem fits the pattern of asthma, then it's much more likely that asthma can be diagnosed. The symptoms of asthma for example are shortness of breath, wheezing and cough as well as chest tightness. The symptoms can be triggered by exposure to allergy causing substances, respiratory irritants, exercise or cold air. And the Asthma symptoms are usually relived by asthma treatment including inhalers and pills. There are laboratory tests that can help confirm the diagnosis of asthma. Most of these are breathing tests, lung function test for example, can show a pattern supporting the diagnosis of asthma.