If you are experiencing shortness of breath this can be due to many things, including asthma. To help you know for sure if you have this you need to see an asthma doctor. Below is information on how a doctor diagnosis asthma and treatment options that are available for you.

Diagnosing Asthma

The first thing the doctor will do is to rule out other conditions that may be causing your shortness of breath. For example, they will check for a respiratory infection or something much more serious known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Once the doctor determines there are no other causes of your shortness of breath they will do further testing to determine if you have asthma.

One type of diagnosis test is known as a spirometry. When taking this test, you will breathe in and out into a spirometer, which is a small machine. The test measures your airflow as you breathe.

A peak flow meter can also be used to measure your airflow as you breathe in. The device is small and handheld. There is a certain level your airflow should be at and if it is below this level then you likely have asthma. This level is different for each person as it depends on things like your weight, your health condition, your age, and more.

The doctor will also do other tests, such as a CT scan, chest X-ray, nitric oxide test and more.

Asthma Treatment

If the doctor determines that you have asthma there are many treatment options available. One type is preventative medication to help prevent asthma attacks and long-term control to control asthma symptoms. You may also be prescribed a bronchial inhaler in case you have an asthma attack. This inhaler relaxes your bronchial muscles helping you to breathe easier.

There are many types of preventative medications that are used. What the doctor chooses will depend on your age, triggers, and how bad your symptoms are. You will take these medications long term to keep your asthma under control.

A bronchial thermoplasty is another type of treatment. This is only used if you have severe asthma that will not improve with medications.  This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. The bronchial thermoplasty uses an electrode that heats the airways inside your lungs. This smooths the muscles that are inside your lungs, which will help prevent your airways from tightening, which will make breathing much easier on you. This may also reduce the amount of asthma attacks you have.

Your doctor can give you many more details about this information. Companies like North Texas Allergy can help.

Share