The challenge of objective confirmation of asthma diagnosis in primary care

Asthma represents one of the most common chronic conditions encountered in primary care and diagnosis should be confirmed objectively with the demonstration of variable airflow obstruction. As many asthmatics have normal lung function at the time of clinical presentation, objective confirmation of airflow limitation may be challenging. Fluctuations in airflow obstruction can be documented with simple office spirometry after bronchodilator challenge, home monitoring of peak expiratory flow and bronchoconstriction induced by spasmogens such as methacholine. We present a case highlighting the challenge of objective confirmation of asthma diagnosis in primary care and provide a critical review of the diagnostic approaches highlighted above. Our aim is to provide a pragmatic interpretation of the available literature with a view to assisting clinicians in selecting the diagnostic test best suited for individualised patient encounters.