Diagnosis of asthma: diagnostic testing

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Asthma presents as heterogeneous atopic and non-atopic phenotypes.
• Diagnosis relies on symptoms and objective lung function tests.
• Objective tests confirm airway obstruction and its variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current guidelines and literature on asthma diagnostic testing.
• To outline objective methods for confirming asthma diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature and guideline review on asthma diagnostic testing.
• Analysis of various objective testing modalities.

Main Results:

• Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility is the primary diagnostic tool.
• Repeated spirometry or peak flow measurements may be necessary.
• Bronchial challenge testing is reserved for unclear cases; fractional exhaled nitric oxide and atopy tests support atopic asthma but have limitations.

Conclusions:

• Objective confirmation of airway obstruction and variability is crucial for asthma diagnosis.
• Multiple testing modalities exist, but results may not be specific to asthma.
• Providers must ensure objective measurements for patients with suspected asthma.