Breathing Test Vital For Accurate Asthma Diagnosis: Lung Association

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: COPD
Article Date: 21 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The Lung Association today released the following statement in response to the study entitled "Overdiagnosis of asthma in obese and non-obese adults" which was published in the November 18, 2008, edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ):

The study released yesterday underscores the need for all Canadians to have access to spirometry, a breathing test required to properly diagnose asthma and to distinguish asthma from other lung diseases, such as COPD.

The study in the CMAJ demonstrates that asthma was misdiagnosed in 1/3 of adults. It is important to remember that this study was done on adults and does not apply to children. Asthma is far more common in children than adults.

Unfortunately, less than half of people diagnosed with asthma are tested using spirometry. The Lung Association remains committed to working with partners nationwide to make spirometry more accessible.

Asthma is a very variable disease. Symptoms change from season to season, from day to day and from day to night. Some asthma symptoms occur only when a patient is exposed to certain triggers such as allergens, viral infections, exercise or cold air. This variability in asthma symptoms complicates diagnosis, and underlines the need to take a proper history of symptoms. Doctors make accurate diagnoses when they consider symptom history and the results of spirometry tests.

What does this mean to me?

If you are short of breath, wheeze, or have a cough that won't go away, see your doctor. It could be asthma causing your symptoms. Or it could be COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ), or another lung disease. Canadians with lung disease - or who suspect that they might have lung disease - need to have a proper diagnosis so they can get the right treatment.

If you've been diagnosed with asthma and your doctor has prescribed medicine, keep taking your medicine. It can be dangerous to stop taking medicine you need.

If you have questions about your asthma treatment or diagnosis, see your family doctor. Ask for spirometry, a simple breathing test. A spirometry test can help the doctor know if your symptoms are from asthma, from COPD, or from another breathing disease.

Learn more

Signs and symptoms of asthma
Diagnosing asthma

Signs and symptoms of COPD
Diagnosing COPD

Spirometry, a breathing test that helps diagnose lung diseases

About the Lung Association

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada's oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.

Lung Association