Asthma Tests & Diagnosis Methods - OmniMedicalSearch.com, by Martha M Grout, MD, MD(H)

Conditions & Diseases: Lung & Respiratory Diseases & Disorders

Asthma

Tests & Diagnosis Methods

Pulmonary function tests will show decreased maximal expiratory air flow (PEFR, peak expiratory flow rate), increased lung volume, decreased forced expiratory volume (FEV1, how rapidly a breath can be exhaled). Even after an attack has subsided, we may see continued changes in how rapidly a breath of air can be exhaled from the lungs (called MMEFR, maximal mid-expiratory flow rate). Patients with chronic asthma may not recover completely between attacks.

Nitric oxide is increased in exhaled air of asthmatics.

Arterial blood gases will show decreased oxygen, and may show decreased carbon dioxide if the attack is mild, and the patient is simply working hard for their oxygen. When we see increased carbon dioxide, we know that the attack is very severe. As the patient worsens, the oxygen decreases and the carbon dioxide increases.

Chest Xray may be normal, if the patient is healthy and the attack is not too severe. It may also show increase lung volume with flattened diaphragms, if the attack is severe. In that case, there may be significant air trapping behind swollen air passages – kind of like a one-way ball valve.

Routine blood work may show a high concentration of eosinophils cells which are associated with allergic reactions. We may also see high levels of IgE, and immunoglobulin directed against substances to which a patient is allergic.

Sputum coughed out from the lungs may be clear, or green, or yellow. Often we see long thin tubules of sputum, called “casts." These are debris from the lungs molded into the shape of the tubular air passes.

Article by Martha M Grout, MD, MD(H)
Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine

Dr Martha Grout of Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona

Martha M. Grout, MD, MD(H) has two decades in emergency medicine and a decade in homeopathic medicine. She specializes in chronic diseases and HEG-based brain training for ADHD, memory loss, and depression. Her environmentally friendly office at the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine makes preservative-free antigens for testing and treatment of allergies.