Understanding Asthma: FAQs on Breathing Tests and Diagnosis

Posted By: | Published On: | Asthma, Featured Article
Understanding Asthma: FAQs on Breathing Tests and Diagnosis

The team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. of Crystal Lake and Elgin, Illinois, provide patients with a wide range of solutions for those who are struggling with certain conditions impacting their daily lives. We can help, starting with a proper diagnosis of your condition with breathing tests and other examinations with an asthma doctor “near me.” If you live in or around the community, we invite you to ask about our screenings available for new and established patients. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about asthma and the breathing tests used to diagnose this often chronic medical condition.

What is asthma?

Asthma is best described as a chronic respiratory condition that impacts the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow. This makes it difficult for air to pass through, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

How is a breathing test used to diagnose asthma?

Asthma doctors use certain types of breathing tests to measure how well your lungs are working and assist in determining if you have asthma or another respiratory condition. These tests can also show how severe your asthma is and monitor changes in lung function over time.

What types of breathing tests are commonly used for diagnosing asthma?

Spirometry and peak flow measurement are the two main types of breathing tests used for diagnosing asthma. Spirometry measures the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in just one second (FEV1) and the total volume of air exhaled (FVC). In asthma, an obstruction in the airways causes a decrease in FEV1 and FVC values. Alternatively, peak flow measurement measures how fast you can exhale air from your lungs. A lower-than-normal peak flow reading may indicate a narrowing of the airways due to inflammation.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Call us at (847) 888-8802 or Schedule an Appointment today.

Are these breathing tests accurate in diagnosing asthma?

Breathing tests are important tools our team uses to diagnose these conditions accurately. However, they must be combined with other tests and your medical history to confirm an asthma diagnosis. In some cases, additional testing may also be necessary if clear results are not achieved with the testing and screening previously performed. 

How often should breathing tests be performed for asthma management?

Breathing tests are typically performed during the initial diagnosis of asthma and periodically throughout treatment to monitor lung function. The frequency of types of these tests varies depending on the severity of your asthma and how well it is being managed. Our team will help you determine the appropriate schedule based on your needs.

Who can I call to learn more?

Schedule a screening or breathing test for asthma by calling (847) 888-8802 to request an appointment at either of our Elgin and Crystal Lake, Illinois locations. We are here to help!


Share this Article


Back to Asthma Page

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C., logo

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C.

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


Penicillin Allergy Testing