A third of asthma cases misdiagnosed

Cause for concern: Around 15% of asthma patients on medication are not diagnosed objectively, according to research. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: Proper medical diagnosis of asthma can lead to about one-third of people assumed to suffer from this chronic disease be weaned off long-term medications, says pulmonary medicine physician Dr Joe Zein.

The doctor at Cleveland Clinic in the United States noted that this could impact millions of people worldwide.

“Asthma impacts millions of people, and proper diagnoses and treatment are vital to treat asthma early, before any damage occurs to the airway, ” he said.

“Studies show that one-third of patients thought to have asthma are misdiagnosed by doctors, and 15% of asthma patients taking medication long term do not have an objective diagnosis.

“Proper diagnosis can ensure that patients receive the right treatment, reduce triggers and lead healthier lives.”

A study in the Journal of American Medicine found that 33% of randomly-tested asthma patients could be safely weaned off their medications, and did not need long-term inhaled steroids.

Asthma is one of the world’s major chronic diseases, impacting more than 339 million people globally.

It is the most common non-communicable disease among children, according to the World Health Organisation.

At the same time, studies have found that asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated.

Commenting on today’s World Asthma Day theme of “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions”, Dr Zein emphasised that while some people assume otherwise, asthma tests are often quick and easy.

Common diagnostic methods include a spirometry test that measures the airflow through the lungs, and a methacholine challenge test that evaluates how reactive lungs are to changes in the environment.

Healthcare practitioners may also request chest X-rays, and blood, skin or allergy tests.

Asthma patients can suffer from chest tightness, pain or pressure; coughing; and shortness of breath or wheezing.

An asthma attack restricts airflow due to tightened and inflamed airways, and the clogging of mucus.

Treatment can include anti-inflammatory medicines that make it easier for air to enter and exit the lungs, bronchodilators that relax the airway muscles, or biologic therapies that target specific molecules.

Asthma, which has both genetic and environmental causes, has a wide range of triggers, especially in the patient’s own home and neighbourhood.

The most common triggers are dust mites, pet dander, pollen and ragweed, pests such as cockroaches and mice, and mould.

Tobacco smoke from either the patient themselves or from secondhand smoke, air pollution and exercise, can also trigger asthma attacks.

“People with asthma may not want to get rid of their pets, especially cats or dogs, ” added Dr Zein.

“If asthma patients have to keep their pets in the house, they should keep pets outside of the bedroom and replace any thick carpets with tile or hardwood to reduce pet dander.

“Asthma patients should also wash their bedding with hot water, vacuum often to remove dust, and put in dehumidifiers in any damp areas of the house.”