Table 1

- Common tests when assessing severe asthma.

Diagnostic studyTest
Radiology• Chest x-ray
• Chest CT
• Gastrointestinal assessment (PH/impedance probe, barium studies, or scoping)
• Bronchoscopy (flexible versus rigid) with Bronchoalveolar lavage
Blood and serological test• CBC with differential looking for eosinophilia
• Total IgE
• Skin prick testing or specific IgE measurement
• Immunoglobulin level
Others• Sweat chloride test
• Spirometry (including post bronchodilatation, lung volumes)
• Sleep studies
• Genetic testing

IgE: immunoglobulin E, CBC: complete blood count, CT: computed tomography