Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 7/7/2010

Question
I was diagnosed with mild asthma as a child, im now 18 and have had no problems for a few years now. I last had inhalers 3 years ago, nothing since and im fine, do lots of exercise etc. Does this mean im now clear of asthma, or is there a test i can have that could confirm i no longer have asthma?
Thanks
Sam

Answer
Hi Sam,

You may have outgrown it, but at the same time, as a child you may have had a respiratory problem directly related to a virus called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Generally children outgrow this by the time they reach elementary school.

If you have allergies (dust, pollen, animal dander, etc.)you probably are still susceptible. What typically occurs is that the level of lung inflammation is low, and you adapted to somewhat lower lung function. With a thorough lung function test, you will get a clear picture of your status. I'd suggest two versions: 1) spirometry with a post-bronchodilator re-assessment. This is where you do the breathing test with a spirometer, then take an albuterol treatment. The test is repeated after ~ 15 minutes. If there is an improvement of greater than 12%, and/or 200ml of additional lung volume, you have asthma. If the test is negative, then I'd recommend 2) a methacholine challenge. This is a test where you would inhale methacholine, then again do spirometry. If your lung function decreases by 20% or more, you have asthma. This test is not given if test #1 is positive, since the risk of a severe asthma attack is possible. It is only utilized when test #1 is negative.

Hope this helps. Until you get a clear answer, always keep a rescue inhaler available.

Sincerely,
Marc