Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment

How is asthma diagnosed? 

If you’re experiencing symptoms like coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, your doctor may test you for asthma. Asthma diagnosis starts with a physical exam and may include several tests to understand how well your lungs are working and rule out other conditions. 

What to expect during an asthma evaluation 

Your doctor will begin with a physical exam, looking at your: 

• Ears, eyes, nose and throat 
• Skin 
• Chest and lungs 

They may also order a chest or sinus X-ray to check for signs of infection or other problems. 

To confirm asthma, your doctor may recommend one or more lung function tests. 

Lung function tests for asthma 

These breathing tests show how much air you can inhale and exhale - and how well your lungs respond to medications. 

• Spirometry – Measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly 
• Bronchodilator response test – You’ll repeat the spirometry test after using a medication that opens your airways. If your results improve, it suggests you have asthma. 
• Peak flow testing – Measures your ability to push air out of your lungs quickly (may also be used for ongoing home monitoring) 

If these results are unclear, your doctor may order additional tests. 

Other diagnostic tests 

When lung function tests don’t give a clear answer, your doctor may recommend: 

• Allergy testing – To check for allergic asthma 
• Respiratory infection screening – To rule out other illnesses 
• Methacholine challenge test – Methacholine causes airway narrowing in people with asthma 
• Exhaled nitric oxide test – High levels of nitric oxide in the breath may indicate airway inflammation 

These tests help confirm whether asthma is the cause of your symptoms. 

What a diagnosis means 

If you're diagnosed with asthma, it means your airways are inflamed and more sensitive to triggers. Asthma is a chronic condition, but with the right care, most people live full, active lives. 

At Banner Health, we’re here to help you understand your diagnosis and create a plan that works for your lifestyle. 

Treatment for asthma 

Once you’re diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to build an asthma treatment plan. Treatment depends on factors like your age, symptom severity and how your body responds to medications. 

Most treatment plans include two types of medication: 

Daily control medicines 

Taken every day, even without symptoms, these medications: 

• Reduce inflammation in your airways 
• Lower mucus production 
• Make your lungs less sensitive to triggers 

Not everyone needs long-term control medications. Your provider will determine what’s best for you. 

Quick-relief medicines 

These medications work fast to ease asthma symptoms. They’re typically delivered through a metered-dose inhaler and should be used when symptoms first appear. 

• Relief often occurs within 10 to 15 minutes 
• These inhalers relax the muscles around your airways 
• If prescribed, carry your inhaler with you at all times 

Learn how to use an inhaler. 

When to see a doctor for asthma 

You should schedule an appointment if: 

• You’re having symptoms but haven’t been diagnosed 
• You already have asthma and need a yearly check-up 
• Your symptoms are getting worse or more frequent 
• Your current treatment plan no longer controls your asthma 

It’s important to adjust your treatment as needed. Even well-managed asthma can become more active over time. 

When to seek emergency care for asthma 

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Always talk to your doctor about your asthma action plan and when emergency care is needed. 

Seek emergency care if you experience: 

• Rapid worsening of wheezing or shortness of breath 
• No relief after using your quick-relief inhaler 
• Difficulty breathing with very little physical activity 

Don’t wait to get help. 

At Banner Health, our asthma specialists offer expert diagnosis, personalized care and compassionate support to help you manage your asthma and breathe easier. 

Find an asthma specialist near you.