The doctor will seriously consider a diagnosis of asthma if the child has a history of periodic attacks of shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, perhaps accompanied by tightness in the chest. Whether exercise, a respiratory infection, or exposure to cold air has ever triggered an attack. Any family history of asthma or allergic disorders, such as eczema, hives, or hay fever. Unlike the other chronic lung conditions, asthma usually first appears in patients less than 30 years old and with chest x-rays that are normal. Still, it may be difficult to distinguish these disorders in some adults with late onset asthma.
Panic disorder can coincide with asthma or be confused with it.
In cases of airway obstruction, the measurements fall. If the obstruction clears after using the drug, then a diagnosis of asthma is confirmed. If there are no signs of airflow obstruction but the doctor still suspects asthma, a challenge test may be performed. The challenge test is not always accurate, particularly in patients whose only asthmatic symptom is persistent coughing. It may be quite useful in ruling out occupational asthma.