Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

The influence of variation in type and pattern of symptoms on assessment in pediatric asthma

Anne L Fuhlbrigge1, Theresa Guilbert, Joseph Spahn

  • 1Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. anne.fuhlbrigge@channing.harvard.edu

Pediatrics
|August 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Most US children with asthma experience a moderate to severe symptom burden, despite perceived good control. Many children restrict activities, indicating that asthma treatment goals are not being met.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant chronic respiratory condition affecting children in the United States.
  • Assessing the true burden of childhood asthma is crucial for effective management and public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a national, population-based survey to examine the asthma-related health burden in US children.
  • To evaluate the extent to which current asthma management aligns with established guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A 2004 telephone survey of children aged 4-18 with current asthma across the US.
  • Data collection included symptoms, perceived control, activity limitations, healthcare use, and disease management.
  • Asthma symptom burden was assessed using a global construct including short-term, long-term, and functional impact.

Main Results:

  • While most children reported mild intermittent symptoms based on daytime occurrences, inclusion of nighttime symptoms reduced this classification.
  • Using a global symptom burden construct, only 13% had mild intermittent disease; 62% had moderate/severe disease.
  • Significant activity limitations were reported, with 47% avoiding exertion and 34% staying indoors to manage symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of US children with asthma are not meeting the therapeutic goals set by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines.
  • Parents and children often overestimate asthma control, leading to potential underestimation of the disease burden.
  • Common practice of restricting activities highlights deficiencies in asthma control and management strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History