Question

Present a brief discussion of how asthma is diagnosed

Answer 1

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes airway hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema and mucus production.

To establish a diagnosis must determine that episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction are present, airflow is at least partially reversible and other cause have been excluded. A positive family history and environmental factors including seasonal changes, high pollen counts, mold, climate change and air pollution, are primarily associated with asthma.

During acute episode sputum and blood tests may disclose eosinophilia. Serum level of IgE may be elevated if allergy is present. Arterial blood gas analysis and pulse oximetry reveal hypoxemia during acute attacks. Initially hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis present.