Harvard University Health Services

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Your health care provider will conduct a thorough medical history and physical assessment. The following are some of the key indicators that your provider may consider in making a diagnosis of asthma.

Medical History
  1. Recurrent symptoms of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness.
  2. Pattern of symptoms (frequency, seasonal, day vs. night).
  3. Triggers of symptoms (environmental exposures, exercise, viral infection, changes in weather).
  4. Family history of asthma, allergy, eczema.
  5. Social history (smoking, characteristics of home, other social factors).

Physical Examination
Thorough examination of chest, upper respiratory tract, and skin.

Based on the history and physical examination, your provider may order the following diagnostic tests:
  1. Spirometry: This lung function test measures the quantity and force of the air you blow out after taking a deep breath.
  2. Allergy test: This skin test determines what environmental allergens are you allergic to.
  3. Other tests: Chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, or a test to see if you have sinus disease.
Depending on the results of your medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests, your provider can determine how severe your asthma is. Severity is classified into 4 levels:

Classifications Symptoms     Nighttime symptoms
Step 1
Mild Intermittent
 ≤ 2 times a week ≤ 2 times a month
Step 2
Mild Persistent
 2 times a week but
 < 1 time a day
 Exacerbations may affect activity		 > 2 times a month
Step 3
Moderate Persistent		 Daily symptoms
 Exacerbations affect activity
 > 1 time a week
Step 4
Severe Persistent		 Continual symptoms
 Limited physical activity		 Frequent

 

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Disclaimer: The information provided on our website is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.