Diagnosis of asthma: diagnostic testing

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology
Emily P Brigham, Natalie E West

Abstract

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing both atopic and non-atopic phenotypes. Diagnosis of asthma is based on the combined presence of typical symptoms and objective tests of lung function. Objective diagnostic testing consists of 2 components: (1) demonstration of airway obstruction, and (2) documentation of variability in degree of obstruction. A review of current guidelines and literature was performed regarding diagnostic testing for asthma. Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing remains the mainstay of asthma diagnostic testing for children and adults. Repetition of the test over several time points may be necessary to confirm airway obstruction and variability thereof. Repeated peak flow measurement is relatively simple to implement in a clinical and home setting. Bronchial challenge testing is reserved for patients in whom the aforementioned testing has been unrevealing but clinical suspicion remains, though is associated with low specificity. Demonstration of eosinophilic inflammation, via fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement, or atopy, may be supportive of atopic asthma, though diagnostic utility is limited particularly in nonatopic asthma. All efforts should be made to confirm the diagnos...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 30, 2020·Clinics·Egberto Luiz Felicio-JúniorBeatriz Mangueira Saraiva-Romanholo
Mar 30, 2017·Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease·Abir Al SaidRichard W Costello
May 7, 2019·Frontiers in Pediatrics·Sejal Saglani, Andrew N Menzie-Gow
Apr 3, 2019·Medical Sciences : Open Access Journal·Landon MassothKibwei A McKinney
Jan 2, 2021·International Immunopharmacology·Srijit GhoshTapan Behl
Dec 29, 2020·Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease·Li XuYuan Zhang
May 27, 2020·Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·Glenn Clinton SheddRobert Owen Calvert

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