Failure to Diagnose or Treat Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the world, affecting as many as 300 million people of all ages. Although the vast majority of people who have asthma learn to function well in spite of the disease, proper and timely diagnosis is essential to its treatment. Given how common the disease is, there is no excuse for physicians not to order the appropriate diagnostic tests when patients present certain symptoms. Unfortunately, some medical professionals overlook the obvious, with their patients suffering the unfortunate consequences.
At Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC, our medical malpractice attorneys serve Utah residents with exceptional representation in failure to diagnose cases. Failure to diagnose and treat asthma can have devastating consequences on a person’s health and quality of life. If you or a member of your family is the victim of a physician’s failure to diagnose asthma, we encourage you to contact our attorneys today for an evaluation of your case. We would be pleased to advise you of your legal rights and options and, if we accept your case, to fight on your behalf for the compensation to which you are entitled.
Common Symptoms of Asthma
People who suffer from asthma may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:
- Persistent coughing, particularly in the morning and at night
- Wheezing
- Difficulties with breathing during exercise and other activities
- Tightness in the chest
- The sensation of not being able to get enough air in the lungs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Allergy symptoms, as allergies may be triggering asthma
Whenever patients turn to physicians with symptoms such as these, asthma should at least be considered as a possible diagnosis, and appropriate tests should be ordered before it can be ruled out. These tests may include:
- Peak flow meter testing
- Pulmonary function test
- X-ray of the chest
- Blood test
- Allergy test
- Bronchoprovocation test
At our law firm in Salt Lake City, failure to diagnose asthma cases are often filed due to a physician’s judgment not to order the appropriate tests. Sometimes, appropriate tests are ordered, but asthma is misdiagnosed as another condition, such as bronchitis. In such cases, our attorneys can file a misdiagnosis lawsuit on behalf of the victim.
Consequences of Undiagnosed and Untreated Asthma
When asthma is diagnosed and treated properly, sufferers are often able to lead healthy, productive lives. Left untreated, however, asthma can have dire effects, causing permanent damage to the lungs. This damage can make a person more susceptible to other lung disorders such as emphysema. Over time, the lack of oxygen to the body will lead to vital organs becoming damaged and possible death. In 2011, alone, asthma claimed approximately 250,000 lives.
Learn More about Your Rights
If you or a member of your family has been injured due to afamily000 lives.oxygen to the body will lead to vital organs becoming damaged and possible death. In physician’s failure to diagnose and treat asthma, you have the right to be compensated for the losses and expenses you have suffered as a result. Please call or email our law firm today for an evaluation of your case and counsel that you can trust.