Asthma Guide for Teens:

Getting Diagnosed

 

What is Asthma?	Treatment
Common Symptoms	When to Get Help
Causes and Triggers	Asthma Action Plan
Dealing with Triggers	Living with Asthma
Exercise Induced Asthma	Resources
Getting Diagnosed

If I think I have asthma what should I do?

If you haven’t been to your health care provider yet and you think you might have asthma, call and make an appointment as soon as possible. Getting diagnosed and treated quickly will make a big difference in the way you feel.

 

How is asthma diagnosed?

Only your health care provider can tell if you have asthma. He/she will ask you questions about how you are feeling in general and also specific questions about your breathing. You will be asked about your past health and your family’s health and about any medications you take and if you have any allergies. Your health care provider will likely give you a physical exam and check your nose, listen to your lungs and heart, etc. to make sure you don’t have any other problems. You might be asked to breathe into a tube (called a “peak flow meter”) that measures how much air your lungs can hold. If you are diagnosed with asthma you may be referred to a specialist.

 

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Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 9/4/2009