Is there an over-the-counter test for asthma?

[ttown]

Is there an over-the-counter test for asthma?

Google gave me lots of treatments, but no tests.

Doubt the person I know has it, but want to test for it -- and a doctor visit is very inconvenient.

tia -
ttown

 

[Xylitol]

it's kinda more subjective

it should be obvious if you do have it

 

[Mikey]

Originally posted by: Xylitol
it's kinda more subjective

it should be obvious if you do have it

 

[Baked]

No health insurance huh?

 

[ttown]

Originally posted by: Baked
No health insurance huh?

It's much more a convenience and timing issue than an insurance issue.

(Want to rule it out before a scuba class starts.... Symptom is: heavy breathing/some coughing after significant exercise; no symptoms day-to-day; a doctor said 'it may be mild asthma' about 6months ago, iirc, but no testing was done)

 

[lightstar]

try a peak flow meter

 

[bapace]

Originally posted by: ttown

Originally posted by: Baked
No health insurance huh?

It's much more a convenience and timing issue than an insurance issue.

(Want to rule it out before a scuba class starts.... Symptom is: heavy breathing/some coughing after significant exercise; no symptoms day-to-day; a doctor said 'it may be mild asthma' about 6months ago, iirc, but no testing was done)

Sounds like exercise induced asthma

http://www.emedicinehealth.com..._asthma/article_em.htm

And yes, they would not necessarily have any day to day symptoms. I don't know if there is an official "test" for Asthma. Peak Flow meters as someone above mentioned can tell if lung capacity/function is that of a normal person of their age.

<--Asthmatic.

 

[bapace]

Oh and about SCUBA and Asthma:

Q: Does a history of ear troubles, diabetes, asthma, allergies or smoking preclude someone from diving? A: Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory function, heart function or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a physician can assess a person?s individual risk. Physicians can consult with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) as necessary when assessing a scuba candidate.

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatstofear.aspx#medhist

 

[umbrella39]

No OTC. A peak flow meter is what we have asthma patients to use to help manage their asthma, it is not a diagnostic tool. A full set of PFT's would diagnose it. In addition, testing sputum eosinophil levels can give us an idea as to how bad the asthma is.

HTH

 

[Slew Foot]

Get a stethoscope and listen for wheezing