There is no single test for asthma, but a doctor can make a diagnosis of asthma after talking to you about your symptoms and family medical history. To be correctly diagnosed, a doctor will examine a patient and recommend Lung Function Testing, the only way to be accurately diagnosed. Respiratory Care WA offers free, personalised Lung Function Testing at our satellite hubs. Find out more here.
It’s difficult to diagnose asthma in younger children as they can’t do the breathing tests. Your doctor will assess the symptoms and history, and may give asthma medicine to see what effect it has on your child, so it can take some time to achieve a diagnosis.
Once your child reaches 5 or 6 years old, your child should be able to perform a lung function test.
When diagnosing COPD, your doctor will review your signs and symptoms, as well as understand if you have had exposure to lung irritants including cigarette smoke. Your doctor should then request you book Lung Function Testing. The most common test is spirometry which measures how quickly and effectively a person can empty their lungs after inhaling as much air as they can before measurement. Other tests may also be required for diagnosis including X-rays, CT scans or blood tests.
