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Is childhood asthma underdiagnosed and undertreated?

Christy N Okoromah1, O Oviawe

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, P.M.B 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|April 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated by medical practitioners. This leads to incorrect management, highlighting the need for improved asthma diagnosis and treatment protocols in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Underdiagnosis of asthma in children can result in suboptimal management, leading to increased illness and death.
  • Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for effective childhood asthma care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and treatment among children by medical practitioners.
  • To identify patterns in asthma diagnosis and medication use in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 45 children with asthma symptoms.
  • Data collection through pre-tested questionnaires.
  • Analysis of diagnostic labels and prescribed medications.

Main Results:

  • Only 24.4% of cases were correctly diagnosed as asthma after an average of 4 consultations.
  • Alternative diagnoses like allergy or bronchitis were given to 64.4% of children.
  • Bronchodilators were prescribed to only 33.3% of cases, often not regularly.

Conclusions:

  • Low rates of asthma diagnosis and treatment in children were observed.
  • There is a critical need to audit childhood asthma management by medical professionals.
  • Improved diagnostic practices are essential to ensure appropriate asthma care for children.

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