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Asthma is a widely common, long-term condition affecting\u00a0nearly 25 million people<\/a>\u00a0in the U.S. It causes swelling, inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. People with asthma commonly experience coughing, wheezing, and chest pain or tightness.<\/p>\n Several factors including allergens, stress, cold air and exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. While there currently isn’t a cure for this condition, proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent asthma attacks and improve your quality of life.<\/p>\n Doctors can assess and diagnose people with asthma using many techniques, but chest x-rays are most frequently used when a patient is hospitalized or treated in the emergency room (ER) due to a severe asthma attack. Learn about a chest x-ray’s role in asthma screening and diagnosis and what to expect during the procedure.<\/p>\n An x-ray releases a low dose of electromagnetic radiation through the chest to capture photos of the bones and tissues, including:<\/p>\n Doctors don’t typically use chest x-rays to directly diagnose asthma but rather to rule out other lung conditions. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms to asthma, such as:<\/p>\n If you go to the hospital or ER after a severe asthma attack, you may need a chest x-ray to test for lung damage or other diseases. Additionally, patients suspected of having lung or heart disease will likely require chest x-rays as part of their regular checkups.<\/p>\n People with asthma can benefit from chest x-rays, as they can learn if they have another condition or infection that’s aggravating their breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n You don’t have to undergo any specific preparation\u00a0before going in for a chest x-ray appointment<\/a>. Right before the scan, however, you’ll be asked to change out of your clothes into a hospital gown. You’ll also need to remove any metallic jewelry, watches and other items that can interfere with the x-ray.<\/p>\n During the exam, a technologist will instruct you to sit or stand still in front of the x-ray machine. They’ll either take images from the other side of the wall from the x-ray room or from a separate room. Your technologist will likely take several images with front and side views of the chest.<\/p>\n The exam usually only takes a few minutes. Once the scan is complete, a medical professional will examine the results before passing them along to your physician. You may get the results the same day or the following week, depending on where you get the x-ray done. If any abnormalities are detected, your doctor can suggest further steps and treatment options accordingly.<\/p>\n Chest x-rays are generally safe, quick, simple and painless. Because they use the lowest possible dose, radiation exposure risk is extremely low. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should ask your doctor before getting an x-ray. Radiation can\u00a0potentially affect your baby<\/a>\u00a0or increase the risk of birth defects, though the risk is generally small.<\/p>\n If your healthcare provider suspects you have severe asthma, they’ll perform additional testing to verify it or determine what else may be causing symptoms. Should they discover you have severe asthma, you’ll need proper treatment and further testing to monitor your symptoms.<\/p>\n There’s a variety of asthma diagnostic tests ranging from digital imaging to standard physical exams. Below are some examples.<\/p>\n Blood tests are a routine part of asthma screening. They can identify high levels of\u00a0white blood cells called eosinophils<\/a>, lowered vitamin D or iron levels, and immune system function. These tests can also help your doctor determine if any organs are functioning improperly. Detecting one of these health problems can rule out an asthma diagnosis.<\/p>\n A\u00a0computed tomography (CT) scan<\/a>\u00a0is a computerized x-ray procedure that takes detailed images of the inside of your lungs. Medical professionals often use this exam for asthma diagnosis, as it can provide evidence of the condition. It can also rule out asthma by detecting other conditions that mimic its symptoms, like bronchitis, pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis.<\/p>\n Sputum is a thick mixture of mucus and saliva in the lungs. As it accumulates, it can cause frequent coughing and breathing difficulty. During\u00a0a sputum induction test<\/a>, a specialist takes sputum samples from your lungs. You inhale various concentrations of mildly salty water through a nebulizer, then cough them up. The specialist sends the samples to a laboratory for further testing.<\/p>\n By showing what cells are present, a sputum test can help determine the cause of inflamed airways and the appropriate treatment option to pursue. For instance, high eosinophil levels may suggest eosinophilic asthma.<\/p>\n After an asthma diagnosis, your doctor may recommend medications to help manage your symptoms and address the cause of your condition. Some treatment options include:<\/p>\n There are multiple ways to take asthma medications. You can breathe them in through a nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler or another type of inhaler. Your doctor may also prescribe oral medications like solid or chewable tablets, capsules or syrups.<\/p>\n Asthma can make everyday activities a challenge, but the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan makes it easier to manage your symptoms. Consider turning to Health Images if you’re seeking high-quality medical imaging services for asthma diagnosis.<\/p>\n Servicing the Denver area, Boulder\u00a0and several other locations<\/a>, we extend the most accurate, up-to-date technology and compassionate care to every patient that visits our facility. Working with highly skilled physicians, we strive to address potential health concerns as quickly as possible. We can even provide same-day results in many cases.<\/p>\n If you need a chest x-ray, our expert team at Health Images can assist you.\u00a0Request an x-ray appointment<\/a>\u00a0today!How do chest x-rays for asthma work?<\/h2>\n
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What happens during a chest x-ray?<\/h2>\n
Are there any risks associated with chest x-rays?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nAre there other diagnostic tests for asthma?<\/h2>\n
1. Blood tests<\/h3>\n
2. CT chest scan<\/h3>\n
3. Sputum induction test<\/h3>\n
What asthma treatment options are available?<\/h2>\n
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Request your chest x-ray from Health Images today<\/h2>\n
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