Physical Examination
Physical examination should be performed regularly as part of routine asthma care.
General Observation
- Body Mass Index (BMI): An important measurement as obesity is significantly associated with poor asthma control.
- Children's Growth Parameters: Measurement of weight and height is important because, although rare, growth delay may occur in patients:
- With poorly controlled asthma
- Treated with moderate to high dose inhaled corticosteroids
Respiratory System Examination
- Well-Controlled Asthma: Physical examination is usually normal.
- Uncontrolled or Severe Asthma: Abnormal findings may be present even in the absence of a real exacerbation, including:
- Hyperinflated chest
- Increased respiratory rate
- Reduced air entry
- Prolonged expiratory phase
- Rhonchi
Assessment of Comorbidities
- Asthma often coexists with conditions such as allergic rhinitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obesity.
- Observation of relevant signs may guide further assessment and management.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic shiners, transverse nasal crease, allergic salute, hypertrophied turbinates, tonsillar hypertrophy
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Central obesity, hypertrophied turbinates, oropharyngeal crowding
- GERD: Tooth (enamel) erosion
Other System Examinations
When other diagnoses are suspected, adequate examination of the relevant system should be performed accordingly, such as cardiovascular examination in suspected congenital heart disease in children and heart failure in adult patients.