In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. Nearly 6 million asthma sufferers are children.
There is no one cause for asthma. Instead, the various types of asthma are diagnosed based on what triggers an attack. The most common types are outlined in the following asthma patient education guide:
Doctors Who Treat Asthma
As your asthma is diagnosed, treated and managed, you may encounter the following doctors and specialists who can work in tandem as your asthma team.
Allergist - A pediatrician or internist who has taken additional training to qualify as a specialist in allergy and immunology. An allergist specializes in allergies, asthma, and allergic asthma.
Pulmonologist - A specialist in respiratory diseases. Some pulmonologists may get additional board certification in critical-care medicine.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist - While not a physician, this nurse or respiratory therapist is trained in pulmonary rehabilitation techniques and can help educate on how to manage asthma and its symptoms.
General family doctors or pediatricians with internal medicine training can also be important specialists part of your asthma team.
How to Prepare for Your Asthma Doctor Visit
Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain steps you need to take in order to maximize the benefit of the visit, and help the doctor better determine if you have asthma or possibly another condition.
- Write down symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Note when your symptoms occur. For example, note if your symptoms tend to get worse at certain times of the day; during certain seasons; or when you’re exposed to cold air, pollen or other triggers.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you’re taking. Include the dosage you are taking of each.
Questions to Ask
From your initial asthma diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your asthma. Listed below in this asthma patient education guide are a list of questions to discuss with your doctor so you can make informed decisions about your condition.
Questions About My Asthma Diagnosis
- What is the cause of my asthma? If the cause is removed, are my chances of having another asthma attack reduced?
- What should I do when I experience a severe attack? What are the signs of an emergency?
Questions About My Asthma Treatment
- How do I use an asthma inhaler?
- How long do I have to take medication?
- What are the medications that I have to avoid?
- What will be the side effects of asthma medication? How can I prevent them?
- Are there medications that I have to carry with me all the time?
Questions About My Lifestyle & Family
- Are there certain places or foods that need to be avoided?
- Are there lifestyle habits I can change to get some asthma relief and reduce my risk of an asthma attack?
- Is asthma hereditary? Can I pass it to my children?
Common Tests Or Labs To Diagnose Asthma
There are several tests and asthma labs used to make a proper diagnosis and monitor your ongoing condition. Below are listed the most common asthma tests and labs ordered, why you need them, and what they can tell you about your condition.
Asthma Tests
| Test |
Why Test? |
What Happens? |
What is Normal/Abnormal? |
| Lung Function Test (Spirometry) |
Measures the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled in the lungs |
In this test, the patient performs several hard breathes into a machine. |
Accurate measurement is dependent upon the patient’s performing the appropriate maneuver properly. Very difficult to perform in children. |
| Methacholine Challenge Test |
Methacholine is a known asthma trigger. |
Patient is given a device to breathe in the methacholine. |
Any spasm or narrowing of the airway can indicate asthma. |
| Chest X-Ray |
Rules out any other cause of blockage/narrowing of the bronchi from infection to fracture |
This is a non-invasive test. A picture is taken of the chest and lungs. |
Asthma cannot be detected through X-ray, but determines other abnormal conditions of the lung, chest and/or heart. |
| Strip Test |
Tests the pH of the digestive system to rule out gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/heart burn |
The pH procedure is done with a thin, plastic tube with a sensor that measures the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus. |
pH is measured on a 1 to 14 spectrum. Normal range is between 5 to 8. |
| CT Scan of the Sinus |
Looks at the inflammatory conditions and fluid levels in the sinus |
This noninvasive medical test takes a picture of the bones, soft tissues and blood vessels. |
A clear sinus rules out sinusitis. |
Asthma Labs
| Name |
Why Test? |
Normal Range |
| Blood Test |
Immunoglobulin IgE, eosinophils |
IgE and Eosinophils are antibodies. If asthma is due to an allergy, the level of these antibodies will be raised. |
IgE – 4.2-595 U/mLEosinophil – 0 – 450 /µL |
Common Medications and Treatments for Asthma
There are several different classes of drugs that treat asthma.
Asthma treatment is specific to each individual. Side effects and warnings must be taken into consideration.
Long Term Medication/Controllers
Taking a long-term medication is the best way to keep asthma until control on a daily basis and prevent serious attacks.
| Drug Category |
How the Medication Works |
| Long Acting Beta Agonists |
Contains adrenaline that keeps the breathing passages open for 12 hrs. or moreTypically inhaled |
| Inhaled Corticosteroid |
Acts locally by concentrating their effects directly within breathing passages |
| Leukotriene |
These oral medications inhibit the chemical substances that promote inflammatory response during acute attack. |
| Methylxanthines |
A long-acting bronchodilator |
Quick Relief Medication/Rescue Medicines
Quick relief asthma medications provide just that: fast-acting relief from asthma symptoms. Yet, these medications should only be used occasionally. Talk to your doctor if you are using your inhaler more often than your doctor recommends.
| Drug Category |
How the Medication Works |
| Short-acting beta-agonists |
Opens breathing passages in minutesThe effects usually last only 4 hours. |
| Anticholinergics |
Takes slightly longer than beta-agonists to achieve an effect, but has longer lasting relief. |
| Oral & Intravenous Corticosteroids |
Relieves airway inflammation caused by severe attacks |
Allergic Asthma Medications
When asthma is caused by allergies, you may be prescribed different asthma medications to treat the allergy symptoms separately.
| Drug Name |
How The Medication Works |
| Omalizumab |
Given by injection every 2-4 weeks, this drug works to change the immune system and help alleviate symptoms. |
| Cromolyn Sodium |
Generally inhaled before exposure of allergenDoes not work once an attack has begun |
