Hello,
A diagnosis of asthma usually is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, a physical examination, and laboratory tests that measure pulmonary (lung) function.The various diagnostic tests of asthma include spirometry( a test that measures the amount of air entering and leaving the lungs) , peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate monitoring , bronchial provocation and other tests like x-rays and allergy testing to exclude other lung pathologies.
Treatment depends on the severity of asthma as mild,moderate and severe.You can learn more about asthma from the following link: http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/asthma/index.shtml
Sarcoidosis is commonly diagnosed from x-rays.Sometimes biopsy of the granulomas and its histopathological examination is used in confirming diagnosis.
Hope I have provided you with sufficient information.In case you need any more then pls post us.
Thank you so much for responding!
I have a history of smoking but quit 21 years ago. Never had any respiratory related disorders including allergies until post Pertusis. However I did have numerous incidents of bronchitis over the years. I do take HTN meds (cardizem and Benicar HCT) My last pulmonologist visit (Sept 5th) he wanted to try discontinuing the Benicar even know it’s not an ACE inhibitor. That was 48 hrs ago. I am hoping he stumbled onto a needle in the haystack and the coughing will subside or at least be more controlled.
How does one get further evaluated for asthma? Are there specialists outside the New England area you are aware of? I did find some research online years ago. There is a group in Boston that posted an interesting article on various reasons for cough. I called the group 2 years ago and was told they weren’t accepting new patients. Had several PFT's and do most definitely respond to xoponex nebulizer for short periods (it relieves the brochospasms) I am very very open to getting another opinion. Sarcoidosis has not been evaluated. Wouldn’t that have shown on chest x-ray?
I am just so happy to even get another opinion even if it’s via email. Any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated
Regards
Trudi2258
Hello,
How are you?
Chronic cough can be caused by cigarette smoking,asthma,GERD,allergic rhinitis and sinusitis causing PND,lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, tumors, sarcoidosis or other lung disease and medicines like ACE inhibitors used as antihypertensives.
Can you identify any of these?
It is a wrong belief that whooping cough can cause asthma or allergy susceptibility. Whooping cough does not cause asthma. It just so happens that people with asthma seem more susceptible to it.
Going by your symptoms,I feel that the diagnosis of cough variant asthma which your pulmonologist has made is a satisfactory one.Pls get yourself evaluated on the lines of asthma.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.