Common conditions that mimic asthma

Description

Most patients with asthma are managed in primary care, but globally, 20–70% of patients with asthma are undiagnosed, and 30–35% of people with an asthma diagnosis do not have evidence of current asthma. 

Improved access to spirometry in primary care is often proposed as the solution. However, simple spirometry is often uninformative, and some patients need several investigations to confirm the diagnosis of asthma, or to distinguish it from common mimics. 

This article highlights conditions that commonly mimic asthma in adults and adolescents, with practical advice about key clinical features that can help direct initial investigations in primary care.

 

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the medical education.
2. List main findings.
3. Recognise changes in management in response to the medical education.

 

Author: Helen K Reddel

Article Type: Medical Education