What happends at the dr if you have acute asthma?

what meds do you get?

how do they test it?

They will usually give you medication called a bronchodilator. There are two different ways to give this medication. One is called an inhaler and it is easy to use and portable. The other is called a nebulizer and it requires more equipment.
There are different medications that can be used but the most common is Albuterol. They have started using a newer drug more and it is called Xopenex(Levalbuterol). As far as testing goes they can do a mini PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) in the doctors office if they have the equipment. They may also just have you blow in a device called a Peak Flow Meter. If you have a diagnosis of Asthma then this Peak Flow Meter is a very handy tool and I strongly suggest you read all of the information about it and complete the daily log for a month. It will help you have more control of your Asthma and know when you need more medication or know if it is time to go to the doctor or emergency room.

Acute asthma is obvious. I don't think you really have to test for it.

They'll typically give you albuterol (or pirbuterol, or something similar), either in an inhaler or suspended in a mist ("nebulized"). Often, they'll throw in some ipratropium bromide (I think that's right) and/or some chromolyn sodium.

Chronic non-acute asthma requires testing. When I was diagnosed, the doc tested my pulmonary function, treated me for asthma, waited enough time for the treatment to take effect, and tested me again. Beforehand, I didn't think I had asthma. Then I was amazed when I discovered how compromised my pulmonary function really was!