Another form of testing is the exercise test. This is used to diagnose exercise induced asthma in patients thought to have this problem. This test is very extensive and must be done in the presence of well trained personnel as well has having a physician present. These tests use either a treadmill, bicycle, or stepper to exercise the patient. Through the use of these devices it can be determined if the patient has asthma brought on by exercise or if their problem has other origins.
Patient education is very important in the treatment of asthma.
The patients need to know as much as they can about asthma including precipitating factors, what drugs to use and when to use them, and the appropriate early intervention when symptoms worsen. The PEF and degree of bronchospasm are inversely proportional. For example, if the PEF has decreased, the amount of obstruction and bronchospasm has increased and appropriate treatment can be administered. Drug therapy enables most patients to lead relatively normal lives with few adverse effects from drugs. The goal of therapy is to make the patient stable and asymptomatic, with the best pulmonary function possible.