Parental Information
Parents who suspect a child has asthma should get a diagnosis as early as possible so a treatment plan can be developed. Asthma symptoms can disrupt a child's life and even bring on serious asthma attacks if proper treatment has not yet begun. A parent should tell the doctor about the symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, that are affecting the child. It is important that the parent can provide other information on symptoms, such as if the suspected asthmatic episodes occur at certain times of the day or if they getter better or worse during different times of the year. It is also good for he doctor to know of any triggers that may set off symptoms and whether there is a family history of asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Younger Children
A doctor needs to rely on detailed information if the child is younger than 6 years of age. Lung function tests aren't usually accurate for children younger than that age. The doctor may prescribe medication if a young child is experiencing wheezing episodes to see if the symptoms are relieved. Younger children may outgrow symptoms similar to asthma over time, so the doctor may wait to see if symptoms persist before moving on to a treatment plan for asthma.
Airway Tests
No single test can determine if a child has asthma. Lung function tests may be given to measure the air inhaled and exhaled from the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. The tests may be given at rest or after exercising. Medication may also be administered to see if there are any changes in breathing. Tests may start out with an instrument that measures airflow volume in the child's breathing. If the test shows the child may have an obstructed airway, the doctor may ask the child to inhale a bronchodilator, a drug that opens the air passageways. If the drug clears the airways, it may be suspected that the child has asthma. If this test does not show airway obstruction, the doctor may perform other tests to make sure. Chest x-rays may be done, or the child might be prescribed a histamine drug that helps the airways when asthma is present. Skin or blood allergy tests may be given to find a specific allergen that causes asthma episodes. Allergens such as dust or pet dander may be an underlying problem that the parent has not yet noticed. These tests are important at this stage in a child's life to find out as much as possible so a doctor can help devise a treatment plan. Knowing the allergens that cause asthma symptoms will help the child get on with a normal life.
