Asthma Diagnosis
Diagnosing Asthma
To diagnose asthma, your doctor will talk to you about your personal and medical history. They may ask if you have a family history of allergies and asthma and will perform a physical exam. You may need a lung function test and other tests, which can be done easily in their clinic. If you or your child are having problems breathing on a regular basis, visit a doctor (or other health care provider like a nurse practitioner) right away.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Asthma?
Personal and medical history: Your doctor will ask questions to understand your symptoms and their causes. Bring notes to help you answer your doctor’s questions. Be ready to answer questions about:
- Your family history of asthma and allergies (if possible)
- Medicines you take and how they affect you
- Your lifestyle
- Current physical issues, including symptoms
- Other conditions and specific concerns, including all previous medical conditions you have had in the past
For example, if you have a history of allergies or eczema, you have a higher chance of having asthma. Also, a family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema increases your chance of having asthma. This information can help your doctor make a diagnosis of asthma.
Tell your doctor about anything at home, school, or work that triggers or worsens your asthma. For example, these might include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches. Also, irritants in the air including air pollution, cleaning chemicals, and tobacco smoke may cause asthma symptoms.
The doctor may also ask if you get chest symptoms when you:
- Get a head cold
- Exercise
- Sleep at night
- Use specific medicines (such as NSAIDs)
- Are under increased amounts of stress
- Notice major changes in the weather and seasons
Physical exam: Your doctor will do a physical exam to look for signs of asthma or other related conditions. They will look at your ears, eyes, nose, throat, skin, and listen to your chest and lungs. They will measure your height and weight to look at your overall health and use it when performing and reading your lung function tests. They will also use a device called a pulse oximeter. It goes on your finger and measures the level of oxygen in your blood. You may also need an X-ray of your lungs or sinuses.
Lung function tests: To confirm asthma, your doctor may have you take one or more breathing tests known as lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests). Lung function tests detect how well you inhale (breathe in) and exhale (breathe out) air from your lungs. These tests measure your breathing including lung capacity (how much air your lungs can hold) and if there may be some obstruction (narrowing or blockage) in the airways.
Lung function tests are often done before and after inhaling a medicine known as a bronchodilator [brahn-ko-DIE-ah-lay-tor]. This medicine opens your airways. If your lung function improves a lot with use of a bronchodilator, you could have asthma. Your doctor may prescribe a trial with asthma medicine to see if it helps.
Common lung function tests used to assess your airways include:
- Spirometry: A type of lung function test that measures how much air you breathe in and out and how fast you breathe out
- FeNO test (exhaled nitric oxide): A test that helps measure inflammation (swelling) in your airway.
- Bronchial provocation or “trigger” tests: Tests that measure if your lungs are sensitive to certain irritants or triggers (such as chemicals or allergens)
Allergy tests: A visit with an allergy specialist may be beneficial. Most people with asthma have allergies that trigger or worsen their asthma. Some common examples include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores.
Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your immune system. They will check the levels of a white blood cell called eosinophils [EE-oh-sin-oh-FILLZ] and an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). If your levels are high, this may be a sign of severe asthma.
Will My Doctor Test for Conditions Other Than Asthma?
If your doctor thinks you have something other than asthma or related to asthma, they may run other tests. These might include a chest X-ray, acid reflux test, sinus X-ray, or other specialized tests. Your doctor may also perform allergy tests (blood or skin tests). Allergy tests are not used to find out if you have asthma. But if you have allergies, they may trigger your asthma.
There are other conditions that have similar symptoms to asthma. Your health care provider may also check you for conditions such as:
- Abnormal airways
- Acid reflux
- Cystic fibrosis (usually diagnosed at a young age)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – which is usually diagnosed in adults)
- Pneumonia or bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis (lung infection) most often caused by RSV
- Immune disorders
- Nasal polyps
- Vocal cord dysfunction (abnormal vocal cords)
What Are the Different Levels and Types of Asthma?
There are 4 levels of asthma, based on the severity of your asthma. How often you have symptoms, and your lung function determines your asthma level. Your doctor will ask you questions such as:
- How often do you have symptoms?
- How often do you wake up at night from coughing or trouble breathing?
- How often do you have trouble breathing?
- Do you have trouble doing your daily normal activities including exercise?
- How often do you use a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler?
- How often have you had to go to the emergency room or be admitted to the hospital because of asthma symptoms?
The answers to these questions help to determine the severity of your asthma. There are different treatment options if your asthma is intermittent (occasional) or persistent (happens regularly).
- Intermittent asthma: You have symptoms less than 2 times a week and wake up less than 2 nights a month. You use quick-relief medicine (like albuterol) 2 or fewer days per week. You can do all your normal activities. Your lung function is normal.
- Mild persistent asthma: You have symptoms 2 or more days a week and wake up 3 to 4 nights a month. You do not have daily symptoms. You use quick-relief medicine more than 2 days out of the week. Your symptoms affect some of your daily activities. Your lung function is mostly normal.
- Moderate persistent asthma: You have symptoms at least every day and wake up 1 or more nights a week. You need your quick-relief medicine daily. Your symptoms limit some of your daily normal activities. There is some decrease in your lung function.
- Severe persistent asthma: You have symptoms during the day and wake up every night due to asthma. You need your quick-relief medicine several times a day for asthma symptoms. Your symptoms put extreme limitations on your daily activities. There are major decreases and abnormal results in your lung function.
You may also hear about different types of asthma from your doctor or other people. These names may describe what is causing your asthma. Here are some different types of asthma:
- Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens, such as pet dander, mold, dust mites, and pollen.
- Eosinophilic [EE-oh-sin-oh-FILL-ick] asthma is caused by high levels of eosinophils in the airways. Around 50% of severe asthma is in this category.1
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (asthma) happens when the airways tighten and airflow gets obstructed (blocked) during or after exercise. It is not always clear what causes this type of asthma, but breathing in cold, dry air is a trigger.
- Cough-variant asthma is a type of asthma where the main symptom is a chronic, recurring cough. People with this type of asthma may still have other asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath, but they happen less often.
- Nighttime (nocturnal asthma) is when asthma symptoms wake you up at night, possibly due to changes in breathing patterns and/or hormones that happen while you sleep. Almost 30 to 70% of people with asthma report nighttime asthma symptoms at least once a month.2
- Occupational (work-related) asthma is caused by inhaling allergens, chemicals, and irritants in a specific work environment.
Type 2 (Allergic) Inflammation
Type 2 inflammation is an allergic immune response involved in some types of asthma, such as allergic asthma and eosinophilic asthma.
With type 2 inflammation, your immune system responds to a trigger by releasing substances like IgE antibodies. Too much IgE can trigger inflammation (swelling) of the airways in your lungs, making it harder to breathe. This is allergic asthma.
People with type 2 inflammation may also have a lot of white blood cells called eosinophils. These cells can cause swelling and inflammation in the airways. This is eosinophilic asthma.
Type 2 inflammation also plays a role in eczema (atopic dermatitis) and nasal polyps.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Asthma in Younger Children?
Diagnosing asthma in children under age 5 is a little different. It involves a careful process of history taking, physical exam, and diagnostic studies. Children this age usually are not given a breathing test. Instead, the doctor asks about certain signs and symptoms of asthma (especially cough, wheezing, trouble with school activities and exercise, symptoms at night and common triggers). The doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator if they think your child might have asthma. If the bronchodilator helps reduce your child’s symptoms, that is a sign that your child may have asthma.
Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD
Closed
Drug Company Assistance Programs
The medicines covered by the programs below may change at any time. The following medicines are covered as of Jan. 24, 2025.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- AIRSUPRA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have employer-provided or individual private (commercial) insurance, you may be able to get AIRSUPRA for as low as $0 with the SUPRA Savings Card.
If you have government insurance: For people with Medicare Part D coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost is $89 per month. For people with Medicaid, the out-of-pocket costs range from $.99-$13 per month. Some states offer even lower copays or eliminate the copay altogether. If you have Medicare Part D and cannot afford AIRSUPRA, you may be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.
If you have no insurance: If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover AIRSUPRA, you will pay the amount determined by your pharmacy. You may also be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.
Learn more on the Cost Assistance with AIRSUPRA website or call 866-480-0030.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE®
- BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®
- SYMBICORT®
- FASENRA®
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance, government insurance, or no insurance:
AstraZeneca US Patient Support offers various savings for several of their medicines. They offer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs depending on what type of insurance you have.
For more information, visit AZPatientSupport or call 800-236-9933.
AstraZeneca has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program can help may help you save regardless of income if you qualify. Get doses for as little as $0 and up to $100 off your in-office administration costs (pre-filled syringe only). Learn more on the TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program website or call 888-987-7473.
If you have government insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Program, you may be able receive TEZSPIRE at no cost if you qualify. This includes people who:
- Are uninsured
- Have Medicare Part B with no supplemental insurance
- Have a Medicare Advantage plan with an affordability gap
- Have insurance that does not cover TEZSPIRE
For more information, call 888-987-7473.
Company:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
Medicines offered:
- Atrovent® HFA
- Combivent® Respimat®
- Spiriva® Respimat®
- Stiolto® Respimat®
- Striverdi® Respimat®
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Medicines offered:
- DUPIXENT®
If you have commercial insurance: The Dupixent MyWay® Copay Card may help you lower the cost of your copay. Learn more on the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card website or call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Dupixent: You can apply for the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you have Medicare: At this time, there is not a savings program for Dupixent if you have Medicare. Call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1 for more information.
If you have Medicaid: Your copay and coverage may vary depending on what state you live in. If you meet the criteria, you may also be able to get help from the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
Medicines covered:
- Epinephrine devices – all brands
Savings programs:
- See AAFA’s list of all available epinephrine devices and their patient assistance programs.
Company:
- Genentech
Medicines offered:
- Xolair®
If you have commercial insurance: Genentech offers a copay savings program for Xolair. You may also be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. 
If you have government insurance or don’t have insurance: You may be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. Find programs.
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- ARNUITY ELIPTA
- ANORO ELLIPTA
- BREO ELLIPTA
- INCRUSE ELLIPTA
- NUCALA®
- SEREVENT®
- TRELEGY®
If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program.
If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.
For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers or call 888-825-5249.
GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- NUCALA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have a commercial medical or prescription insurance plan, you may be able to take part on the NUCALA Copay Program. If you are approved, the GSK Copay Program may help with your cost share for NUCALA and the your cost share for administration up to the total annual copay program maximums.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: You are not eligible for this program if you are covered by any federal or state prescription insurance program.
For more information, visit the NUCALA Copay Program website or call 800-691-1939.
Company:
- Organon
Medicines offered:
- ASMANEX® HFA
- ASMANEX® TWISTHALER®
- DULERA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you qualify, you may be able to save with an ASMANEX Multiuse Savings Coupon.
If you qualify, you may pay as little as $15 per Dulera prescription on each of up to 12 qualifying prescriptions. The maximum savings is $90 per prescription.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: At this time, there is no assistance program if you have Medicaid or Medicare.
Company:
- Teva
Medicines Covered:
- QVAR RediHaler®
- CINQAIR®
Teva Cares Patient Assistance Program provides certain Teva medicines at no cost if you live in the United States and meet specific insurance and income criteria. Learn more about program eligibility.
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Teva Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Programs, you may be eligible for help from other programs they offer.
For more information, visit the Teva Cares Foundation website or call 888-838-2872.
Pharmacy Drug Savings Programs
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 844-265-6444
- moc.htlaehknilb@ofni
About the Program:
- Blink Health finds the lowest price for the medicines you need. Find discounted prescription prices on more than 15,000 medicines.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 844-926-2480
- moc.xrknilb@troppus
About the Program:
- BlinkRx is a digital pharmacy service that carries certain medicines. They can provide the lowest prescription price while providing free home delivery.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 855-268-2822
About the Program:
- GoodRx is a free resource that lets you compare medicine prices and find discounts.
Looking for savings on asthma inhalers? See the GoodRx Savings Guide for ways you may be able to save money on 25 asthma inhalers.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 833-317-2937
About the Program:
- The Kroger Health Savings Club is an annual membership program that entitles members to reduced prices on prescription drugs.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
About the Program:
- Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offers access to affordable medicines at the lowest possible price. Learn about program eligibility.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 888-331-1002
About the Program:
- The SCBN Prescription Assistance program is for uninsured or underinsured people who cannot afford their prescribed medicines.
- The program requires a membership fee to participate.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- Contact your local Walmart pharmacy
About the Program:
- The Walmart low-cost Prescription Program includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 of some covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Prices for some drugs covered by the program may vary by state.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 877-296-4673
About the Program:
- Prescription Hope provides access to brand-name medicines for only $60 a month per medication through their medication access service. Learn about program eligibility.
Nonprofit Copay and Premium Assistance Programs
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-511-5144 (TTY 711)
- moc.htlaehairaca@eracremotsuc
About the Program:
- AcariaHealth provides specialty pharmacy services for people living with complex and chronic health conditions. Their Copay Assistance Support Team will research and apply to qualifying patient assistance programs on behalf of the patient. Learn about the program.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-366-7741
About the Program:
- Accessia Health provides financial help to pay for copays, health insurance premiums, travel costs, and other medical expenses. Learn about program eligibility.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 877-968-7233
About the Program:
- Good Days provides financial support for people who cannot afford the treatment they urgently need.
- Copay, travel, premium, and diagnostic testing assistance may be available.
- Learn about eligibility criteria.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 980-859-3483
- gro.htaprobrah@ofni
About the Program:
- Harbor Path delivers lifesaving medicine for free to people who are uninsured. They currently serve 24 states. Use the eligibility calculator to see if you qualify.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-675-8416
- gro.noitadnuofllewhtlaeh@stnarg
About the Program:
- HealthWell Foundation provide financial assistance to help with prescription copays, travel costs, behavioral health services, health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-316-7263
About the Program:
- The PAN Foundation offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs related to medical care. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-512-3861
About the Program:
- PAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial help to qualified people with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds for specific disease states. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-769-3880
About the Program:
- Rx Outreach provides discounted medicines for eligible people. Learn about the program.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 855-845-3663
About the Program:
- TAF helps people and families by providing them with financial help for their copays, coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
Patient Assistance Tools and Databases
Tool:
- BenefitsCheckUp® – National Council on Aging
Contact Information:
- 800-794-6559
More Information:
- BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It is an online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefit programs such as health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 615-736-5075
- gro.epohfoyrasnepsid@ofni
About the Program:
- Dispensary of Hope provides medicine to communities, free of cost. They are a charitable medication distributor dedicated to providing pharmacies and clinics with reliable access to medication that was generously donated by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Find a dispensing site near you, here.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 800-503-6897
- gro.sdemydeen@ofni
More Information:
- A national nonprofit that connects people to programs that may help them afford their medicines and other health care costs.
Tool:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) – Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Contact Information:
- 571-350-8643
More Information:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine for many patient assistance resources offered by drug makers.
Tool:
Contact Information:
More Information:
- RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs. Learn about the eligibility requirements.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 844-234-3057
- moc.eracelgnis@troppus
More Information:
- SingleCare works with pharmacies on discounts on prescriptions. Look up prescriptions to find the lowest prices in your area.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 800-719-5147
- moc.esnesxr@rednifsgnivasxr
About the Program:
- Walgreens Rx Savings Finder can help you find prescription discount cards that can help you find the lowest price on a medicine at Walgreens.
State Drug Assistance Programs
Organization:
- Extra Help – Social Security Administration
Contact Information:
- 800-772-1213
- (TTY 800-325-0778)
More Information:
- The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Medicare Part D costs.
Organization:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) – National Technical Assistance Center
Contact Information:
- 877-839-2675
- gro.htlaehpihs@ofni
More Information:
- Free insurance counseling and help to Medicare-eligible people, their families, and caregivers.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- Contact your local county office.
More Information:
- CalAIM offers people on Medi-Cal access to services that address physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, and long-term care needs.
Organization:
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Find out if your state has a state pharmaceutical assistance program.
Organization:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Program – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Learn more about pharmaceutical companies that offer programs to help pay for prescriptions for people with a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D).
Community Resources
American Sleep Apnea Association: Assists people with sleep apnea who cannot afford their CPAP mask supplies through the CPAP Assistance Program.
Friends of Man: Receives applications for mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more. The referral must be made by a professional. This includes caseworkers, case managers, health care workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers, and clergy.
FoodFinder: A map of food pantries across the United States. Search your ZIP code to learn about free food assistance programs near you.
FundFinder: Helps you find financial assistance from charitable foundations.
Inspira Financial: Funds in a health savings account (HSA) or a health care flexible spending account (FSA) can be used for eligible medical expenses.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: A national non-profit that provides local assistance and services.
United Way 211: The most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country.
AAFA Regional Chapters
The AAFA New England Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Massachusetts residents.
The AAFA Michigan Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Michigan residents, including the Jared Williams Medication Fund (JWMF).
