Diagnostic differentiation between asthma and COPD in primary care using lung function testing.

ABSTRACT: Asthma and COPD are defined as different disease entities, but in practice patients often show features of both diseases making it challenging for primary care clinicians to establish a correct diagnosis. We aimed to establish the added value of spirometry and more advanced lung function measurements to differentiate between asthma and COPD. A cross-sectional study in 10 Dutch general practices was performed. 532 subjects were extensively screened on respiratory symptoms and lung function. Two chest physicians assessed if asthma or COPD was present. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis we assessed the ability of three scenarios (i.e. only patient history; diagnostics available to primary care; diagnostics available only to secondary care) to differentiate between the two condit

SUBMITTER: Bouwens JDM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9445018 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature