What tests are used to detect asthma?

What tests are used to detect asthma?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How do I know if I have asthma?; Is asthma hereditary? and more...

Lung function tests, referred to as spirometry, are an accurate way of diagnosing airflow through the lungs, and determining whether that airflow is decreased compared to normal people. Lung function tests also determine whether that airflow reverses what we refer to as reversible obstruction, or reversible obstructive airway disease. It helps us make the diagnosis of asthma. There may be other tests that the doctor may want to perform, such as allergy tests to see if the triggers of the asthma are due to allergy problems. A doctor also may check a chest x-ray or sinus x-ray, to make sure there are no other complicating factors regarding the asthma.