In this case-based module, respiratory specialist nurse Maria Eurton discusses common diagnostic challenges in adult asthma, using practical examples to clarify how guidelines can be applied in everyday practice in primary care.
Learning objectives
This case-based module will support your knowledge and understanding of:
- How to take a focused respiratory history in adults presenting with cough, wheeze or breathlessness, and recognise symptom patterns that may suggest asthma or alternative respiratory conditions.
- Know when and how to use key diagnostic tests including blood eosinophils, FeNO and spirometry, and understand how these tests support or exclude an asthma diagnosis.
- Differentiate asthma from common alternative diagnoses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, upper‑airway problems and reflux, using history, examination and initial investigations.
- Recognise factors that can influence diagnostic test accuracy, including inhaler technique, adherence, comorbidities, smoking history, diet, diurnal variation and environmental exposures.
- Apply best‑practice initial management for suspected or confirmed asthma, including inhaler device selection, inhaler technique optimisation and adherence to guideline‑based treatment pathways.
- Identify red‑flag symptoms that require urgent GP or specialist assessment and understand when escalation of care is necessary.
Note: Cases in this modules are examples of scenarios commonly encountered in primary care. All details have been altered to ensure full anonymisation while still reflecting real‑world clinical practice.
Author: Maria Eurton is Asthma + Lung UK Respiratory Champion for Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB, and a Respiratory Nurse Specialist at a Primary Care Network (PCN) in Southampton
Date published: 26.02.2026
Log in to access the full CPD module and track your progress toward certification.