How often is the diagnosis bronchial asthma correct?

Abstract

Background: There are studies indicating that bronchial asthma is often underdiagnosed, while only a little research has been conducted as concerns overdiagnosing asthma.

Objective: We aimed to estimate the number of patients who have been given the wrong diagnosis of asthma.

Methods: All patients aged above 18 years who had visited two GPs during 1994 or 1995, with the diagnosis of bronchial asthma confirmed in the medical register, were examined by a specialist in allergies.

Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients fulfilled the criteria for being included in the study. Eighty-six patients (70%) attended the examination. Of these, 51 (59%) had bronchial asthma, six (7%) asthma in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 29 (34%) no asthmatic disease.

Conclusion: The study indicates that more accuracy is needed when diagnosing bronchial asthma.