Many people in Hawaii do not realize that they have asthma. For example, everyone eventually feels winded when exercising for a long period of time. In some instances, a person has not built up enough endurance to exercise for a longer period of time. However, it is also possible that being out of breath after exercise is due to undiagnosed asthma. Some people have difficulties breathing even when they are not moving much. That can be a sign of asthma as well. In order to be properly diagnosed for asthma. patients need to see a doctor at the Clinic in Kihei.
When patients suspect that they have asthma, the most important thing is to describe in detail why they suspect they have asthma. Based upon what the patients say, the doctor may choose to prescribe an asthma medication and request that the patient return in a few weeks to determine if the medication helps or not. If the patient’s physician is not sure, there are additional tests that can be requested.
One possible option for doctors at the Clinic in Kihei is for patients to take a breathing test with a spirometer. This test is performed twice. Before the first test, the patient will not take any asthma medications. After the first test, the doctor will ask the patient to take asthma medication such as a rescue inhaler. The test is repeated after the patient has taken the asthma medication. If there is improvement in breathing, then it is highly likely that the patient has asthma. Keep in mind that many patients with asthma have days when they do not encounter any breathing difficulties. This type of test cannot completely rule out that the patient does not asthma.
There are other tools that the physician at the Wailea Medical Center might use to diagnose asthma. The doctor may want to look at the patient’s chest X-ray in order to determine if there are problems with the lungs. Another possible option is for the doctor to order a blood test.
Diagnosis of asthma is a common event at medical clinics. Patients who suspect that they have asthma should not hesitate to book an appointment and discuss their concerns with their doctors.
