How asthma is diagnosed
Only a healthcare provider can diagnose asthma, so if you suspect that you have asthma, make sure to talk to yours. He or she will ask you questions about your symptoms. To help you talk about your symptoms, we've developed an
asthma symptoms checklist.
You should be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following potential symptoms of asthma:
- Frequent severe chest colds
- Frequent bouts of bronchitis
- Chronic (long-term) coughing
- Any allergies you may have, including skin allergies
Many people with severe colds, chronic coughs, or bronchitis turn out to have asthma.
1-4
After asking about your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider will examine your nose, throat, lungs, chest, and skin. You may also take a breathing test called "spirometry."
1 You may even be given a
quick-relief asthma medicine like
ProAir® HFA to see if it helps your breathing.
1
Your healthcare provider will give you a diagnosis based on your answers to the questions and the results of any tests you take.
References
- NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed April 20, 2010.
- Pratter MR, Bartter T, Akers S, Dubois J. An Algorithmic Approach to Chronic Cough. Ann Intern Med. 1993;119(10):977 -983.
- Dicpinigaitis PV. Chronic cough due to asthma: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 Suppl):75S-79S.
- Braman SS. Chronic cough due to acute bronchitis: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006;129(1 Suppl):95S-103S.
ProAir
® HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in patients 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Important Safety Information
If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use ProAir
® HFA, contact your doctor immediately. This may indicate either a worsening of your asthma or a reaction to the medication, which may rarely occur with the first use of a new canister of ProAir
® HFA. Either of these could be life-threatening.
What to tell your doctor before using ProAir
® HFA: If you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, be sure to tell your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking – especially heart medications and drugs that treat depression – because some medications may interfere with how well your asthma medications work. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Side effects associated with ProAir
® HFA included headache, rapid heart beat, pain, dizziness, and irritation of the throat and nose.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.