Chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are common signs of asthma. To receive professional asthma care and effectively manage these symptoms, your Atlanta asthma doctor may recommend spirometry testing. This simple procedure helps identify what’s causing your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment plan. If you or your child show signs of a respiratory condition, here’s how spirometry can confirm an asthma diagnosis.
Key Ways Spirometry Testing Helps Diagnose Asthma
Spirometry is one test among a broader diagnostic process used to assess how well your lungs are functioning, and if you likely have asthma. Alongside other testing procedures, symptom analysis and a physical examination, the test provides the data needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Spirometry Provides Objective Measurement
During spirometry testing, patients breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer, first taking a deep breath and then exhaling as hard and fast as possible. This process measures key indicators like total lung capacity and forced vital capacity. These objective measurements help doctors distinguish asthma from other lung diseases, and also track the status of the condition.
Detects Airway Obstruction
Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which limits airflow. For patients with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, spirometry can signal that the lungs are not functioning as they should. If testing confirms airway obstruction, an allergist can help you manage asthma.
Testing Demonstrates Reversibility
Spirometry is often performed before and after taking a bronchodilator, a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways. If airflow improves significantly after medication, it supports a diagnosis of asthma. Unlike some other chronic conditions, this response to treatment is a key feature of asthma.
Test Results Can Rule Out Other Conditions
Asthma can share various symptoms with other conditions such as COPD and restrictive lung disease. Without a comprehensive testing process, it can be hard to distinguish exactly what’s causing breathing difficulties. Spirometry tests are often combined with peak flow measurement, allergy testing, physical examinations and medical history reviews to ensure patients receive the appropriate treatment.
Tracks Respiratory Changes Over Time
Spirometry testing is performed periodically to assess how well a patient is responding to treatment. With a baseline set of results it’s possible to measure for overall condition and signs of improvement. Spirometry testing results can help inform an ongoing approach to asthma management.
Spirometry Guides Treatment Decisions
The type of inhaler, medication strength, allergy care plan and overall treatment strategy will be guided by results from asthma testing. Using spirometry to help diagnose asthma, providers can make more accurate treatment decisions based on lung function rather than symptoms alone.
Atlanta-Area Spirometry Testing for Asthma Care
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is your best choice for asthma testing and treatment services. For dependable spirometry testing and other vital asthma management solutions, visit one of our Atlanta-area centers. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
