Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Underdiagnosed asthma in South Australia
R J Adams1, D H Wilson, S Appleton
1The Health Observatory, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Woodville, South Australia. Robert.adams@nwahs.sa.gov.au
Thorax
|September 30, 2003
Summary
Undiagnosed asthma is prevalent in Australia, affecting nearly 20% of asthma patients. This condition shares similar symptoms to diagnosed asthma but may present with lower lung function, highlighting a need for better detection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The prevalence and characteristics of undiagnosed asthma remain largely unknown.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective public health strategies and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in the Australian population.
- To compare the clinical and demographic characteristics of individuals with undiagnosed asthma versus those with diagnosed asthma.
Main Methods:
- A population-based household interview survey (North West Adelaide Health Survey) was conducted.
- Asthma diagnosis was confirmed via physician diagnosis or spirometric testing with bronchodilator response.
- Health status, symptom frequency, and demographic data were collected.
Main Results:
- 11.6% of participants had diagnosed asthma and 2.3% had undiagnosed asthma, constituting 19.2% of all asthma cases.
- Undiagnosed asthma was more common in individuals over 40, on government benefits, and with lower incomes.
- While symptom frequency was similar, undiagnosed asthma patients had lower spirometric values.
Conclusions:
- Undiagnosed asthma is a significant public health issue in Australia.
- The clinical presentation of undiagnosed asthma is comparable to diagnosed asthma, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic approaches.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...