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[Guideline 'Treating asthma in children' for pediatric pulmonologists (2nd revised edition). I. Diagnosis and

E J Duiverman1, Q Jöbsis, E E van Essen-Zandvliet

  • 1Academisch Ziekenhuis, Beatrix Kinderkliniek, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, sectie Kinderlongziekten, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen. e.j.duiverman@bkk.azg.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Accurate asthma diagnosis relies on case history and physical exams, especially in young children where symptom progression is key. Avoid routine tests; consider allergy testing for those under 4 and lung function tests from age 5.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Asthma diagnosis in infants and preschool children presents challenges, necessitating a focus on symptom progression over time.
  • Routine laboratory and radiological investigations are generally not recommended for diagnosing asthma in this age group.

Discussion:

  • Allergy testing can be beneficial for children under 4 years old.
  • Lung function investigations are suitable for children aged 5-6 years and older.
  • Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) offers a non-invasive method to assess bronchial inflammation.

Key Insights:

  • Clinical assessment, including case history and physical examination, remains foundational for asthma diagnosis.
  • Age-appropriate diagnostic tools, such as allergy testing and lung function tests, should be selectively employed.
  • Non-invasive biomarkers like FeNO can aid in evaluating airway inflammation.

Outlook:

  • Preventive strategies include house dust mite reduction for sensitized individuals.
  • Breastfeeding for the first 4-6 months may offer a preventive measure for high-risk infants.
  • Further research into early asthma prediction and prevention in at-risk populations is warranted.

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