How Can Cold-Induced Asthma Be Diagnosed?

Shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, coughing, wheezing, cyanosis, loss or decreased consciousness, chest tightness, and chest pain can be symptoms of cold-induced asthma. These asthma symptoms can also be symptoms of a different disease. This makes it very important for a person who exhibits these symptoms to consult his or her doctor. The doctor can make the appropriate diagnosis. And he or she can also prescribe the right treatment regimen.

One of the key information in the proper diagnosis of asthma is a family's medical history. If a member of the family has asthma or allergies, it is very likely that other members may also develop the same disease. When making the diagnosis, this is one of the first information that the doctor will establish.

Another key information is the time and pattern of symptoms. Since an asthma attack is triggered by many different factors, it is important to observe the time and pattern when symptoms occur. What was the person doing before and during an asthma attack? What time of day was the asthma attack? Where did the asthma attack occur? These are important questions that you must answer to help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

In answering these questions, the specific asthma trigger can also be established. For example, if an asthma attack occurs a few minutes upon starting to exercise, that person may have exercise induce asthma. Or if an attack usually occurs during winter or cold months, that person may have cold-induced asthma.

Furthermore, lung function tests may be done in order to diagnose asthma. These are the different steps in making an accurate asthma diagnosis. Once the specific trigger is identified, treatment can be prescribed. Preventing exposure to the trigger is very important in managing the disease. But in the case of cold-induced asthma, does this mean that you have to stay indoors during cold, winter months?

You don't have to do that. Since you know that you have cold-induced asthma, the best thing to do is to be extra cautious during cold, winter months. If you want to go outdoors, you can just cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. This will help in making the air you inhale less cold.

Another way to prevent a cold-induced asthma attack is to stop exercising outdoors during cold, winter months. Or if you will exercise indoors, you must be sure that the room is well-heated. Remember that inhaling cold air can already start a cold-induced asthma attack.

And during cold, winter months, always be sure that you have your rescue medications all the time. If you cannot prevent an attack from happening, just be armed with the medications to stop the symptoms from worsening.