Diagnosing Asthma

Related Information: • Evaluating Coughs • Diagnosing Asthma • Helpful Asthma Resources

If you have episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, have a complete checkup to find out what the problem is.

It could be asthma or another medical problem. Accurate diagnosis is important because asthma is treated differently from other diseases with similar symptoms.

Learn more about chronic cough and diagnosing its cause with information from Dr. B. Lauren Charous, a respiratory allergist with Advanced Healthcare.

Several tests may be needed to tell what is causing your symptoms. These tests include:
• spirometry (to measure how open your airways are)
• chest x-ray
• electrocardiogram (to show whether you have heart disease)
• blood test

To find a physician to give you a checkup or discuss your symptoms, go to Find a Physician.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.