How is asthma diagnosed? Doctors diagnose asthma based on: • your child’s history of asthma or related symptoms • your family history of asthma or related symptoms
C hild’s Hist or y Famil y Hist or y P hysical Ex aminat
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• a physical examination of your child • medical tests Of course, children may not have asthma symptoms during their doctor’s appointments. That’s why it is very important for you to give your doctor all the information you can about your child’s symptoms. It is a great idea to write this information down before your child’s appointment and bring it with you.
During your child’s appointment, the doctor may ask you the following questions: • When did your child start having breathing problems? • What medical care has your child received for breathing problems? • If your child received treatment, did it help? • Have you noticed any pattern to your child’s breathing problems? For instance, have they usually started after your child has had a cold? Or when the weather changes? Do dust, mold or animals seem to bother your child? What about certain foods? • Do you know whether your child has allergies? • Does anyone in your family have allergies or asthma? The more information you can give your doctor, the better he or she will be able to help your child.
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