False Asthma Diagnosis

Asthma is a respiratory condition that exhibits many different symptoms. Since asthma may require lifelong treatment, it is crucial that the proper diagnosis is made. This requires a doctor to evaluate your medical history and symptoms and to perform lung-function tests. Without these factors, you are placed at an increased risk of receiving a false asthma diagnosis. If your physician fails to meet the criteria, you may consider getting a second opinion to ensure a proper diagnosis.

History

• Asthma and allergic asthma are often hereditary, so it is imperative that your physician knows of any family history of allergies and asthma. You are also more susceptible to developing asthma if you have a personal history of allergies. Common allergens that cause asthma flare-ups include pollen, dust, mold, air pollution, animal dander and tobacco smoke. Hay fever and eczema are two signs of allergies that also may be linked to asthma.

Symptoms

• Asthma causes your airways to constrict and become inflamed, resulting in symptom flare-ups. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of asthma include breathing troubles, chest tightness, wheezing, and persistent coughing. Young children exhibit rapid breathing in addition to some of these symptoms. Asthma symptoms are often worse at night. Every asthmatic has different symptoms; therefore, a doctor cannot make a proper diagnosis without performing appropriate tests first.

Testing

• Your physician will use at least one type of lung test to help determine whether you are asthmatic or not. There are three types of lung function tests: exhaled nitric oxide test, spirometry and the challenge test. Spirometry tests measure how well your lungs inhale and exhale. A challenge test uses exercises with a spirometer. Nitric oxide is measured from your breath to determine whether you have airway inflammation. A high level is indicative of such inflammation. Children under the age of 4 cannot perform such tests, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Diagnosis

• Once testing is complete, your doctor will determine whether you have asthma based on your medical history and symptoms. Since asthma varies in severity, not all patients exhibit the same symptoms. For example, you may have asthma and not wheeze on a regular basis. A proper diagnosis cannot be made without running proper tests and exams. In fact, the Canadian Medical Association reports that asthma is often over-diagnosed due to a lack of testing.

Considerations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of asthma are often similar to other health conditions that include pneumonia, airway tumors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, a blood clot in the lungs, respiratory tract infection and congestive heart failure. In order to rule out asthma, other tests are conducted such as CT scans and chest X-rays, two tools that are not required for an asthma diagnosis.