You breathe at a quick rate into a mouthpiece hooked up to a pulmonary function machine. The machine measures maximum lung function. Next, you are given an asthma inhaler to use. In twenty minutes after you inhale this medicine, the lung function is measured again to see if it improves. Asthma is diagnosed based on what the measure of lung function shows.
Asthma runs in families because it has a genetic component.
Sometimes it starts after a severe respiratory infection or pneumonia. Triggers are things that make the asthma active. The common triggers are allergies such as pollen, dust mite, and animal dander. Cold air and exercise can provoke an asthma attack. Colds, respiratory infections and sinus infections can all provoke attacks.