What an Asthma Attack Is

The paths that carry air to the lungs are known as airways.  As the air moves throughout the lung, the airways become smaller, like branches of a tree.  During an attack, the airways become inflamed and swollen, muscles around them tighten and less air passes in and out of the lungs.  Excess mucus forms in the airways, further clogging them.  The attack, also known as an episode, can include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

How Asthma Is Diagnosed

Many times asthma is difficult to diagnose; this is especially true in children under the age of 5.  Regular physicals from the doctor that include a check of lung function and an allergy test can assist in making a correct diagnosis.

A physician trying to diagnose asthma will ask about coughing, especially night coughing, and whether breathing problems become worse after a physical activity or during a particular time of the year.  The physician will also ask about other symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, and colds that last 10 or more days.

Other questions will include family history of asthma, allergy or other breathing problems and questions about the home environment.  They may also ask about lost school or work days and limits on activities. 

Testing of lung function, called spirometry, is another way to diagnose asthma.  A spirometer is a piece of equipment that measures the largest amount of air exhaled after taking a very deep breath.  Airflow is measured before and after the use of asthma medication.