Recently, researchers conducted a study published in the medical journal Chest, showing that chances of misdiagnosis of asthma are significantly higher in obese patients.  The study found that in 500 adults who had been diagnosed with asthma, 150 were wrongly diagnosed.  After performing objective lung-function tests researchers found that 30 percent of the adults did not have asthma.

Furthermore, in patients who had sought emergency care for breathing trouble, obese men and women were four times more likely to be wrongly diagnosed with asthma.  Researchers believe one of the main reasons for the misdiagnoses is the failure to use spirometry and only diagnosing based on symptoms.  Spirometry is a standard lung function test used to diagnose asthma.  Additionally, doctors say that obese people are more likely to suffer from a variety of health problems including chest-tightening and breathlessness.

The researchers suggest that if you have to go to emergency care for trouble breathing, you should later go to a primary care physician for a second opinion and lung-function testing.

If your or someone you love has been the victim of a wrong diagnosis, contact the New Jersey wrong diagnosis lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529 to learn more about your rights.