A recent study has uncovered that the accuracy of routine asthma testing is influenced not just by the method of testing, but also by the time of day and season it is conducted. According to findings published in the journal Thorax, tests performed in the morning yield more reliable results. The accuracy diminishes by 8% for each hour after 8:30 a.m., suggesting that the morning hours are optimal for capturing precise asthma diagnoses.
The research further revealed that asthma tests conducted in winter are 33% more accurate than those carried out in autumn. Surprisingly, this aligns with previous knowledge that patients generally respond better to asthma medication during the morning. Ben Knox-Brown, the lead investigator, expressed that the significance of these results was unexpected: “We were surprised by the size of the effect.”
Asthma testing typically involves a two-step process. First, patients perform deep inhalations and forceful exhalations through a spirometer, which evaluates their lung function. Following this, they inhale salbutamol, a quick-acting bronchodilator, and repeat the test. If there’s measurable improvement post-medication, asthma becomes a likely diagnosis.
In this study, researchers analysed data from 1,600 patients undergoing tests at Cambridge University Hospitals between 2016 and 2023. They noted an 8% decrease in positive responses as the day progressed and noted higher responsiveness to salbutamol during winter months.
According to Akhilesh Jha, a senior researcher, various factors could be at play, influenced by our body’s natural rhythms. Hormonal fluctuations and immune system performance vary throughout the day, impacting lung function test responses. This observation further supports the significance of considering time relative to testing and its implications on broader medical practices.
A new study reveals that the time of day and year significantly affect asthma test accuracy. Tests conducted in the morning are 8% more reliable per hour, while winter tests yield 33% more accurate results than autumn. The findings underscore the importance of timing in obtaining reliable asthma diagnoses.
In conclusion, the timing of asthma tests proves crucial, with morning tests presenting higher accuracy compared to those in the afternoon. Additionally, seasonal influences indicate that winter tests are more dependable than those in autumn. These findings emphasise the need for healthcare providers and patients to consider the optimal conditions for asthma testing to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Original Source: www.gjsentinel.com
