Primary care conditions - asthma

Question 1

In children, which gender is more commonly affected by asthma?

Answer 1

Males

Question 2

In adults, which gender is more commonly affected by asthma?

Answer 2

Females

Question 3

Do younger or older children have a better prognosis with asthma?

Answer 3

Younger.

Question 4

From what age should objective tests be used to assist in diagnosis of asthma?

Answer 4

5 onwards. Before this, if asthma is suspected, treat the symptoms based on observations and clinical judgement.

Question 5

What objective tests should be offered to adults when asthma is suspected?

Answer 5

FeNO testing, spirometry (with bronchodilator reversibility in positive tests). If diagnostic uncertainty, monitor peak flow variability for 2-4 weeks.

Question 6

What constitutes a positive a positive FeNO test in adults?

Answer 6

More than 40 parts per billion

Question 7

What constitutes a positive a positive FeNO test in 5-16 year olds?

Answer 7

More than 35 parts per billion

Question 8

What FEV1/FVC ratio suggests an obstructive lung condition?

Answer 8

Less than 70%

Question 9

What constitutes a positive bronchodilator reversibility test?

Answer 9

An improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more

Question 10

What constitutes a positive peak flow variability test?

Answer 10

More than 20% variability

Question 11

What criteria should be fulfilled for a diagnosis of asthma in 5-16 year olds?

Answer 11

Symptoms suggestive of asthma AND a FeNO level > 35ppb together with positive peak flow variability
OR symptoms suggestive of asthma AND positive bronchodilator reversibility

Question 12

What criteria should be fulfilled for a diagnosis of asthma in adults (17+) ?

Answer 12

Symptoms suggestive of asthma AND a FeNO level > 40ppb together with positive bronchodilator reversibility or positive peak flow variability
OR symptoms suggestive of asthma AND positive peak flow variability together with positive bronchodilator reversibility regardless of FeNO level