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Asthma: part one

Asthma prevalence

Asthma explained

Diagnosis: NICE algorithms

Diagnosis: objective tests

Asthma-COPD overlap

module menu icon Diagnosis: objective tests

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module menu icon Diagnosis: objective tests

Objective tests include: 

  • Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), which is a test that correlates with eosinophilic inflammation. A positive result supports a diagnosis but is not conclusive and the result can be affected by other factors such as smoking and other conditions such as allergic rhinitis
  • Spirometry is used to identify airway obstruction by measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)
  • Bronchodilator reversibility is when short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA) are administered and the difference in spirometry (FEV1) is measured. Asthma is generally regarded as more reversible compared to other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is used to measure the variability in airflow, especially diurnal variability. It may also be useful if considering a diagnosis with a particular trigger such as occupational asthma.

    • Asthma: part one

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