If you experience symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath during or shortly after exercising, you may have exercise-induced asthma. The condition, which affects those who have asthma as well as some who do not, can usually be treated with inhaled medications to open airways before you engage in physical activity. Your doctor may order a series of tests to determine whether you have exercise-induced asthma and how severe it is.
Spirometry
The first step in diagnosing exercise-induced asthma is a breathing test called spirometry that measures airflow. The test involves breathing into a mouthpiece attached to a device called a spirometer. The spirometer measures the amount of air you breathe in and the rate at which you breathe air in and out. The results of the test can help determine lung capacity and overall lung health and are used as a baseline for determining whether you have exercise-induced asthma. In some cases, you may need to repeat the spirometry test several times to get accurate readings.
Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximetry -- a test that determines how much oxygen is in your blood -- also is used in the diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma. A pulse ox test, as it is sometimes called, simply involves placing a small clip-like or bandage-like device on your finger. The pulse ox meter stays in place while you perform a challenge test that typically involves running on a treadmill or some other form of physical activity. The results will show how your blood oxygen levels fluctuate with exercise.
Electrocardiogram
During the challenge test, you will also have an electrocardiogram -- or EKG -- performed to measure heart rate and heart rhythm with exercise. An EKG involves placing small electrodes on the chest that are attached to a machine that then produce a display of your heart rate and rhythm.
Breathing Rate Measurements
Challenge testing for exercise-induced asthma also involves measuring breathing rates and lung function during physical exertion. This involves placing a clip like a nose plug for swimming on the nose to ensure you breathe only through the mouth. A mouthpiece will also be placed in your mouth to measure breathing rates as well as the amount of oxygen breathed in and carbon dioxide breathed out.
Direct Flexible Laryngoscopy
In some cases, your doctor also may order a test called the direct flexible laryngoscopy to determine whether any other conditions may contribute to your exercise-induced asthma symptoms. The test involves placing a device called a scope into the nose and then down into the throat. The doctor will then look for inflammation, deformities or obstructions along the airways, all of which can contribute to asthma symptoms. The test may be uncomfortable to tolerate but it is not usually painful, although you may have some throat irritation or a sore throat afterward, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh reports.
References
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology; Tips to Remember: Asthma and Exercise; 2010
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Exercise-Induced Asthma Testing; April 10, 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Exercise-Induced Asthma; March 27, 2010
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Direct Flexible Laryngoscopy; April 15, 2010
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; Pulmonary Function Tests; March 28, 2011
