Background. Eighteen patients with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests, randomly selected, participated in a problem-based learning health education programme. The programme had a multidisciplinary approach and included exercises inspired by cognitive behavioural therapy.

Objective. The aim of this study was to describe how the patients experienced the programme.

Methods. After termination of the programme, semi-structured interviews with a phenomenographic approach were conducted with 15 of the participants.

Results. Two categories emerged, with three sub-categories each. In these, the informants described how they felt solidarity with the group, received confirmation from the other participants and had increased their self-confidence. They had started to look upon themselves and the disorder from a different perspective, they could describe the disorder in words and they had started to use new, conscious coping strategies.

Conclusions. Patients with asthma-like symptoms benefit from taking part in a problem-based learning health education programme. It helps them to reflect upon themselves and the disorder and to use new strategies to cope with it.