Asthma Test

The diagnosis of asthma can be confirmed by breathing or lung function tests. These tests are able to check how good you are at breathing air in and out of your lungs and how well your inhaler works at opening up your airways. These tests don’t hurt at all. All you will be asked to do is to blow out very hard into a tube connected to a machine, which is connected to a computer. The doctor or nurse will then tell you how well you did.
 

 

Peak Flow Meter

People with asthma can measure their own lung function at home using a simple devise called a peak flow meter (PFM). When asthma control is good the PFM reading is high. During or approaching an asthma attack it is low. You and your parents can use the PFM as an early warning system so that when your PFM readings fall you can follow your asthma management plan to prevent an asthma attack and to know when to look for help from your doctor.
 

The PFM helps put the person with asthma in control. 
 

Allergy Tests

Sometimes people with asthma suffer reactions to environmental triggers, such as pollen and dust. These can be detected by doing allergy tests. There are two ways of detecting allergies:

Allergy Skin Tests

This is where a range of asthma triggers are gently ‘scratched’ in to the skin on your arm or back – the doctor is looking to see which ‘trigger’ you react to. The results can be read 15 minutes later; knowing your triggers will help you and your doctor to control you asthma.

Blood Allergy (Rast Test)

Sometimes your doctor may want to send a sample of your blood to the lab to check your body’s response to triggers.

Understanding your Condition and Treatment

At present there is no cure for asthma, but its symptoms can be controlled by avoiding your triggers and taking your medication. Up to 2 out of 3 of children with asthma will grow out of their symptoms although they will continue to have irritable airways. Of the other 1 out of 3, a large percentage will improve and will need less medication. Sometimes asthma symptoms will disappear and return later in life. There is no way of saying who will and won't grow out of asthma. Research into asthma continues, so improved treatments will insure that asthma doesn't interfere with your everyday life.
It is vital that you understand as much as possible about your asthma and asthma treatment. You should know your triggers and what medication to take and when. Always take your controller even when you feel well. Your parents will remind you about your asthma clinic appointments and doctor’s check-ups. Tell your parents to discuss with your doctor if there is any change in your symptoms. It is a good idea to have an emergency plan in place in case of an asthma attack. An emergency plan can be drawn up with your parents and doctor or asthma nurse specialist.
 

If you are aware that the pollen and mould counts are high, close the windows in your house.