(ARA) - When it comes to many breathing problems, symptoms tell only part of the story. You can’t always tell what’s happening inside your lungs based on how you feel. You could feel fine and not really notice any symptoms -- but still have lung problems that prevent you from breathing your best.

Just like with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you need a test to help tell if you have a hidden breathing problem or poor control of a condition like asthma.

Two reliable and objective tests for measuring how well the lungs are working include spirometers and peak flow meters. A spirometer is a simple, and often computerized, device that measures how well air can flow in and out of the lungs. A doctor or a respiratory therapist typically performs a spirometry test. A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that measures how fast air can be blown out of the lungs. If recommended by a doctor, asthma patients should use a peak flow meter at home on a daily basis and monitor the results.

Both tests are simple, noninvasive, and easy to use -- patients simply blow as hard and as fast as possible into the devices (as directed) and, in the case of peak flow meters, record their results.

"Spirometry often reveals that lung function is far worse than many patients and their physicians perceive it to be,” says Homer Boushey, M.D., president-elect of the American Thoracic Society. “Without the benefit of this test, the severity of a condition like asthma might be under-diagnosed and patients would not get the most effective treatment."

Without a lung function test, you may not know if your asthma is being managed as well as it could be. Poorly managed or undiagnosed asthma can put you at risk for severe symptoms, asthma attacks and lasting lung damage. Properly managed asthma means that you have fewer asthma symptoms and can do more of the things you enjoy.

Ask your doctor or health care provider about whether you should get a lung function test. Experts recommend that people with asthma get tested at least once per year or more often if asthma is severe.

Remember . . . check your lungs, and breathe your best!

For more information on asthma and lung function testing, please log onto www.respiratoryinstitute.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content