Question 3: Can we diagnose asthma in children under the age of 5 years?. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, C.L.; Gaffin, J.M.; Radhakrishnan, D.
• Is Part Of: Paediatric respiratory reviews. Volume 29(2019)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Asthma -- Child -- Infant -- Diagnosis -- Viral wheeze; Pediatric respiratory diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Therapy -- Periodicals; Child -- Periodicals; Appareil respiratoire -- Infections, chez l'enfant -- Périodiques; Appareil respiratoire -- Maladies, chez l'enfant -- Périodiques; 618.922
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2018.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1526-0542

Abstract

Abstract: The diagnosis of asthma in children under five years has been controversial due to changing concepts of what true asthma is in this age group. Previous diagnostic algorithms that used clinical indices to predict the persistence of asthma symptoms or phenotypes based on asthma triggers do not predict which children will benefit from asthma medication. A pragmatic approach to asthma diagnosis in this age group is based on identifying signs and symptoms of reversible airflow obstruction and documenting their response to asthma medication. Hopefully, this approach will provide clearer guidance to clinicians and improve asthma morbidity in these young children.