Because asthma does not always happen at the doctor's visit, it's important for you to describe your asthma signs and symptoms to your doctor. You might also notice when the symptoms occur such as during exercise, with a cold, or after smelling smoke. Asthma tests may include :
- Spirometry: A lung function test to measure your breathing capacity and how well you breathe. You will breathe into a device called a spirometer.
- Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): Using a device called a peak flow meter, you forcefully exhale into the tube to measure the force of air you can expend out of your lungs. Peak flow monitoring can allow you to monitor your how well your asthma is doing at home.
- Chest X-Ray: Your doctor may do a chest X-ray to rule out any other diseases that may be causing similar symptoms.
