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Diagnosis of Childhood Asthma
Diagnostic Testing for Childhood Asthma
Peak flow monitoring provides an easy, convenient method for monitoring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) - the maximum rate of airflow achieved during expiration - with a small hand-held device. The health care provider may request peak flow monitoring be performed several times a day (upon awakening, after inhaler doses, with activity, etc.) for a number of weeks to monitor therapy.
Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a simple, non-invasive (fingertip) method to monitor the oxygen saturation in the blood. The reading in a healthy person without asthma or other lung conditions is 98-100%. A level of 92% or below may indicate the need for hospitalization for treatment.
