Table 4 Recommendations added to the clinical referral pathway for Primary Care Management of Asthma

“Look for signs and symptoms (dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheeze) that raise suspicion towards a diagnosis of asthma.”

Medscape [48, 49]

“Assess risk factors – modifiable (smoking, obesity, exposure to environmental irritants) and non-modifiable (personal/family history of atopy) – for asthma.”

Medscape (48, 50,51,52)

“In individuals who have suspicious signs and symptoms aligning with asthma, recommend spirometry, bronchodilator responsiveness testing and peak flow variability testing”

NICE [53]

European Respiratory Society Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Asthma in Adults [54]

“In individuals who have suspicious signs and symptoms aligning with asthma, and upon diagnostic testing, have findings not suggestive of asthma, refer them to a specialist for further management.”

Medscape [49]