Asthma is a global problem that has been increasing in recent decades. There is a large variation in the prevalence of asthma between regions and the observed temporal patterns of asthma prevalence have also been reported to vary geographically. The reasons for the geographic and temporal differences are unknown. One explanation could be differences in diagnostic patterns. Despite the presence of established asthma guidelines, there is evidence of misdiagnosis. Over-diagnosis has been reported in Western Europe, the US, and Canada, while in some regions of Europe, including Eastern and Central Europe, under-diagnosis of asthma has been reported. The scale and direction of asthma misdiagnosis is not fully known. The overall aim of this project is to investigate the potential problem of asthma over- and under-diagnosis in Europe and globally as well as to further investigate trends and explanations for over- and under-diagnosis. We will accomplish this by summarizing the current knowledge around asthma over-and under-diagnosis including determining the magnitude of the problem and differences between regions. Obtaining such knowledge is essential for future activities as such information will allow organizations such as EAACI to plan educational activities around the issue, which can be applied globally or tailored to a particular region or country.

WG Epidemiology (IG Environmental & Occupational Allergy)

Chair: Josh Lawson 

Secretary: Grzegorz Brozek