Primary Care Management of Asthma

Publication Date: January 1, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Diagnosis and Assessment

We suggest spirometry if there is a need to confirm a clinical diagnosis of asthma. (Weak for)
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In primary care, we suggest against whole-body plethysmography as part of the diagnostic evaluation of asthma. (Weak against)
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There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the routine use of bronchodilator response testing to exclude the initial diagnosis of asthma in the absence of airway obstruction. ()
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If bronchoprovocation testing is considered, we suggest methacholine challenge testing. (Weak for)
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We recommend against offering computed tomography scan to diagnose asthma in patients with persistent airflow obstruction post-bronchodilator. (Strong against)
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In adults and children with asthma, we suggest identifying known risk factors of asthma-related outcomes including overweight/obesity, atopy, secondhand smoke exposure in children, and history of lower respiratory infection. (Weak for)
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In adults with asthma, we suggest identifying known risk factors of asthma-related outcomes including depression, current smokers, and Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom combat deployment. (Weak for)
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Overview

Title

Primary Care Management of Asthma

Authoring Organization

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force