HOW TO ASCERTAIN ASTHMA: THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS- NASAL OR SPUTUM SMEAR TESTS AND BLOOD TESTS
Nasal or Sputum Smear Tests
Common tests include a nasal or a sputum smear in which mucus from the nose or the chest is examined under a microscope for excess amount of white blood cells called eosinophils. High eosinophils count is the hallmark of an ongoing allergic reaction. Eosinophil count increases dramatically in children suffering from hay fever and asthma. The level of eosinophils in the body can be measured by a blood test called the eosinophil count. Eosinophils normally comprise three to four per cent of all white blood cells, but in children with asthma, the eosinophil blood count is frequently elevated. The level of eosinophils often reflects the severity of asthma.
Blood Tests
It is also possible to detect allergies with blood tests. These tests are very helpful when the doctor cannot perform skin tests because of a skin eruption, or a child’s fear of needles, or when there is a chance of inducing an allergic reaction with skin tests.
However allergy blood tests have three major disadvantages:
1. They are not quite as accurate as skin tests.
2. They are many times more expensive than skin tests
3. The results are usually not available until two to three weeks after testing.
Children are naturally scared of blood tests, believing that these would hurt them. Reassurance by parents and a warm, friendly approach by the doctor often removes any fear from the child.
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