Asthma is more likely to explain signs/symptoms More than one of these symptoms: wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, cough Symptoms recurrent or seasonal Symptoms worse at night or in the early morning History of allergies (e.g. allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis) Symptoms obviously triggered by exercise, cold air, irritants, certain medicines (e.g. aspirin or beta blockers), allergies, viral infections Family history of asthma or allergies Widespread wheeze audible on chest auscultation FEV1 or PEF lower than predicted, without other explanation Eosinophilia or raised blood IgE level, without other explanation Symptoms rapidly relieved by a rapid-acting bronchodilator (e.g. SABA or ICS-formoterol) |
Asthma is less likely to explain the signs/symptoms Dizziness, light-headedness, peripheral tingling Isolated cough with no other respiratory symptoms Chronic sputum production No abnormalities on physical examination of chest when symptomatic (over several visits) Change in voice Heavy smoker (now or in past) Cardiovascular disease Normal spirometry when symptomatic (despite repeated tests) |
Additional information
FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 second; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; PEF: peak expiratory flow; Ig: immunoglobin; SABA: short-acting beta2 agonist