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Asthma Symptoms |
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Wheezing
Tightness in chest
Difficulty breathing
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Lung Function Test
Spirometry is a computerized test of your lung function. You blow into a mouthpiece and various parts of your breathing process are measured on a graph.
When your doctor may consider ordering tests of your lung function:
- You should have it initially to confirm the diagnosis of your asthma.
- You should have it every one to two years to monitor your asthma.
- You should have it if you go to the emergency room often or are hospitalized often. You should have a copy of your spirometry results to show to an emergency room doctor.
- You should have it after your treatment is first started and your symptoms have stabilized.
- If your asthma symptoms continue, despite starting treatment.
Note: Sometimes a special test called a methacholine challenge is done as part of the spirometry testing.
More on Asthma in Adults Spirometry
In the Encyclopedia:
Allergic rhinitis
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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