Diagnostic Tests

Even if you have all the common asthma symptoms, your doctor will usually only diagnose asthma after testing how well your lungs work. Airways with asthma are different than normal airways. They are more reactive and sensitive.

Common asthma tests

• Spirometry: One of the most common tests to determine how well your airways work is called a pulmonary function test (PFT) or spirometry testing. Spirometry shows how well your lungs are working and if your airways are blocked. It can also be used to see how well asthma medicines work for you to reverse airway blockage. This test involves spirometry measurements taken before and after use of a short-acting bronchodilator. It is generally used to diagnose asthma in adults and children over age 4.
• Peak Flow Testing: Peak flow testing is a simple home test that you can do to help monitor your breathing. This home test also evaluates your breathing volume like spirometry. Peak flow testing is used for monitoring asthma. As part of managing your asthma, you may be asked to do this breathing test at home on a daily or more frequent basis. You may also need to test yourself if you start to have symptoms.
• Other Tests for Asthma