Problems of measuring asthma prevalence
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2026

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
1Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, New Zealand.
Abstract:
This review considers the issues involved in measuring the community prevalence of asthma, particularly in the context of international comparisons. We argue that there is no gold standard definition for measuring asthma prevalence, and discuss the currently available methods of case ascertainment. Prevalence studies, if they are to be generalizable, need to involve large sample sizes with high response rates. This necessitates methods that are simple, inexpensive and practicable, but also as sensitive and specific for asthma as possible. We discuss some of the issues that are specific to comparisons of asthma prevalence between diverse populations, and suggest that large surveys using written or video questionnaires of self reported symptoms validated in all of the target populations are the method of choice.
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Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
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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:
