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Published on: November 5, 2010
[Asthma in infants: clinical aspects]
1Unité de réanimation et des maladies respiratoires de l'enfant, Hôtel-Dieu, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France. alabbe@chu-clermontferrand.fr
Insights
Diagnosing asthma in infants relies on clinical signs of recurring bronchial obstruction. Early diagnosis and specific treatment are crucial for managing infant asthma effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Infant asthma diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on recurrent bronchial obstruction episodes.
- Manifestations vary in severity and presentation, including dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing.
- Distinguishing typical, severe, and atypical asthma presentations is key.
Purpose:
- To outline the clinical diagnostic approach for asthma in infants.
- To emphasize the importance of detailed history, physical examination, and investigations.
- To highlight the necessity of specific treatment for infant asthma management.
Summary:
- Asthma diagnosis in infants is clinical, identified by recurring bronchial obstruction episodes.
- Typical symptoms include dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing, differing from older children in severity and frequency.
- Atypical presentations like predominant coughing or chronic obstruction require thorough evaluation.
Impact:
- Facilitates earlier and more accurate diagnosis of infant asthma.
- Guides clinicians in managing both acute attacks and long-term prevention.
- Improves patient outcomes through timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of asthma in infants is primarily clinical. It is based on the recurrence of episodes of bronchial obstruction that may vary in severity and in their manifestations. In its typical form, asthma in infants differs little from that observed in older children and combines attacks of dyspnoea with coughing and wheezing without intercritical clinical disorders. Serious forms are characterized by more frequent attacks, impairment of the patient's general state, and reduced efficacy of treatment. In some infants, manifestations may differ from the usual clinical picture with predominant coughing attacks or chronic recurrent episodes of bronchial obstruction. Relating these non-specific clinical signs to asthma requires a detailed history-taking, thorough physical examination, and routine investigations. In all cases, establishing the diagnosis of asthma in young children warrants the use of specific treatment both during attacks and as means of preventing their occurrence.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

