THE DIAGNOSIS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA IN ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

ABSTRACT

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illnessworldwide, and makes up a large part of primary carepractice. Family physicians need to be well-versed inasthma diagnosis, while avoiding overdiagnosis ormisdiagnosis. The tetrad of cough, chest tightness,wheezing and dyspnea are conventionally thought to bethe key presenting symptoms of asthma. However, thesesymptoms can occur in many other conditions, makingaccurate diagnosis of asthma challenging. This article aimsto outline the clinical features and investigations that can help the family physician diagnose asthma and formpossible differential diagnoses in adolescents and adults.Diligent history-taking remains paramount for diagnosis,while no investigation is definitive.