A recent study in the medical journal Chest, showed that obese men and women going to the hospital for breathing troubles were four times more likely to be misdiagnosed with asthma.

Researchers found that 150 of 500 obese patients who say they were diagnosed with asthma found out they did not have  it after having objective lung-function testing.  That is a 30 percent chance of misdiagnosis.  Furthermore, researchers believe that one of the major reasons for the misdiagnosis is failing to use spirometry testing.  Spirometry is a standard lung function test that is often is not even executed before diagnosing asthma.  In addition, they believe that obese patients are more likely to have symptoms similar to asthma symptoms, like breathlessness and chest tightening.

Researchers suggest that patients follow up with a primary care physician to receive the appropriate testing.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of misdiagnosis, contact the Philadelphia misdiagnosis attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.