Asthma

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Asthma

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Asthma can present as shortness of breath, cough, or wheeze, and can develop at any age.  There are a wide range of treatment options available to treat and prevent asthma symptoms.  Poorly controlled asthma can impact all aspects of life including the ability to work and attend school.  Asthma triggers can include allergens and part of improving symptoms is identifying allergens to avoid.  Testing for asthma may involve breathing tests to determine the diagnosis as well as response to treatment. 

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Symptoms of asthma may include:

• Cough

• Chest tightness

• Wheeze

• Shortness of breath

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Lung function testing

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Breathing tests indirectly measure lung volumes and are helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions.   Pulmonary function testing involves breathing into a tube connected to a computer that produces a report of your lung function.   Some children as young as six are able to do the test.