© 2025 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Is asthma being overdiagnosed?

NIAID
/
Flickr

The Centers for Disease Control says that 1 in every 13 adults in the U.S. has asthma. But now there's evidence asthma may be overdiagnosed and other conditions are often the cause of a patient's breathing problems. This week on WRVO's health and wellness show "Take Care," hosts Lorraine Rapp and Linda Lowen speak with Dr. Shawn Aaron, a professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. His team's recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that one-third of people diagnosed with asthma do not actually have the disease.

More of this interview can be heard on "Take Care," WRVO's health and wellness show Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Support for this story comes from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.