How to Diagnose Mild Asthma

According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, people age 12 and older are diagnosed with mild asthma if they experience asthma symptoms two or more days a week, but not daily; if asthma wakes them up at night three to four times a month; if they use a fast-acting inhaler two or more days a week, but not daily and not more than once a day; if asthma interferes in a minor way with daily activities; if their pulmonary function test is 80 percent or more of their predicted best measurement; and if they require oral corticosteroids two or more times a year.

Instructions

How to Diagnose Mild Asthma

• 1

  Begin keeping an asthma symptom diary. Note when and how often you experience asthma symptoms; if and how often you need to take your fast-acting inhaler (bronchodilator); if you have needed an oral corticosteroid to treat symptoms and if so, how often during the year; and if you are limited by what you can do on a daily basis because of asthma. Take this information with you to your doctor's appointment.

• 2

  Ask your doctor do a pulmonary function test with a spirometer. Blowing into a spirometer provides a measurement of the openness of your upper and lower airways. Your pulmonary function should not be less than 80 percent of your predicted best measurement. This test measures how much your airflow is limited.

• 3

  Once your doctor confirms your diagnosis, he will make suggestions for treatment and likely prescribe a fast-acting or long-acting bronchodilator to open your airways. He may also prescribe inhaled corticosteroids to treat the inflammation in the airways.

• 4

  Continue to monitor your asthma at home and record symptoms in your diary. If things change for the worse, or do not get better, let your doctor know. Asthma severity can change, so return for follow-up appointments as directed by your doctor.