A hospital-based screening campaign has revealed significant gaps in asthma diagnosis and ongoing management among adults. The study, presented at a major medical conference, found that 12% of adults screened in hospital settings had probable undiagnosed asthma, according to researchers.
The screening involved adults who were not previously diagnosed with asthma. Participants completed questionnaires and underwent spirometry, a lung function test. Those with symptoms and evidence of airway obstruction were considered to have probable asthma.
Among those with a prior asthma diagnosis, the study also found that many had poor symptom control and were not using appropriate medications, indicating gaps in ongoing management. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and systematic screening in healthcare settings.
Experts note that undiagnosed asthma can lead to reduced quality of life and increased risk of severe exacerbations. They recommend that clinicians consider asthma screening in patients with respiratory symptoms, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis.
