If symptoms do not improve with the medication, it would make the diagnosis of asthma less likely, according to Ching. With adults, doctors usually try an asthma medication or beta2-agonist first to see if the condition improves. A pulmonary function test, comprised of a series of blowing maneuvers to test the force and the flow of air the lungs can generate, is the most common test given to adults, according to Bunn. If the results of the pulmonary function test are negative or inconclusive but the doctor is still concerned about the patient s symptoms, he may perform a broncho-provocation or challenge test. Risk factors that may predispose infants and children to asthma include underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, mothers who smoke and frequent respiratory illnesses, but the single greatest preventative factor parents can control is not smoking around infants and children.
Parents can further reduce risk by making the infant s room as allergy free as possible.
Bathing pets weekly with dry shampoos such as Allerpet can remove allergens from skin and fur and are easiest to administer. Reducing indoor humidity and using semi-permeable coverings to fully encase mattresses and pillows have also proven to be effective ways to reduce dust mite levels, according to HealthGate. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment is based on the severity of the condition. The inhaled steroid is the most important inhaler for people with asthma of any degree of severity. Inhaled steroids are curative.