Diagnosis of Asthma:

If you think you have asthma, contact your physician for advice. He or she will ask you about your symptoms and if you have noticed any factors that trigger the symptoms. Your physician will also do a physical examination and may ask you about your medical history. He or she may also refer you to an specialist in asthma, usually a physician specializing in pulmonary medicine.

Your physician or nurse may do one or more of the tests listed below.

• A device called a peak flow meter can help your doctor to diagnose asthma. A peak flow meter measures how much, and how fast, air can be expelled from your lungs. This device can also be used to monitor whether a treatment works for you.
• A spirometry test can also measure how well your lungs are functioning but provides more detailed information than a peak flow meter.
• Less commonly, other tests such as chest X-rays are done to make sure you don't have any other breathing problems. For example, a disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has similar symptoms to asthma.
• An allergy skin test or a blood test may be done to find out whether you're allergic to certain substances.