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Adult asthma requiring preventer therapy — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateRespiratoryAdult asthma requiring preventer therapyRACP Adult Medicine

A 29-year-old woman has episodic wheeze, nocturnal cough and symptoms after exercise. She uses salbutamol most days and has no smoking history. Examination is normal between episodes. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: E — Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing

Objective demonstration of variable airflow limitation is central to confirming asthma where feasible. Spirometry with bronchodilator response is the appropriate first test in this stable adult. CT, bacterial culture and troponin do not assess reversible airflow obstruction, and labelling asthma without objective testing risks misdiagnosis.

Reference: Australian Asthma Handbook 2025; AMH