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Diagnosis
Testing for Asthma in Children
Testing for Asthma in ChildrenTo diagnose asthma, a doctor may give your child breathing tests, called lung function tests, along with askingabout your child's symptoms.These tests show how well your child's lungs are working.They can show how severe asthma is or check for problems when asthma is being treated.Your child may do a couple different kinds of breathing tests.Peak expiratory flow—or peak flow— shows how much air your child can breathe out when exhaling as hardas they can.Your child blows into a device called a peak flow meter.This test can be done in a doctor's office or at home.It may be done multiple times over a week or two.Peak flow is often used if your child has symptoms that come and go, but the results for other breathing testshave been normal.Spirometry shows how well your child can move air in and out of the lungs.Your child breathes into a device called a spirometer.This test may be repeated after your child breathes in, or inhales, medicine that opens the airways in the lungs.If these first tests have normal results, your child may repeat the test again after taking medicine thatconstricts, or narrows, the airways— or after exercising, or breathing cold air, or breathing in an allergen orirritant that may be causing symptoms.These "challenge tests," as they're called, are only done if the doctor needs more information to diagnoseasthma.They may cause symptoms, like trouble breathing.Most of the time, breathing tests are only used for children around age 5 and older.So if your child is younger than that, the doctor may diagnose asthma based only on symptoms.Along with breathing tests, the doctor may do other kinds of testing, like a chest X-ray, to rule out other healthproblems.If your child is getting tested for asthma, it might help to let them know what to expect.Remind your child that the tests don't hurt, and that they'll be over quickly.And be sure to talk to your child's doctor if you have anyThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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