Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
06:34

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma

Published on: June 4, 2017

Diagnosis of allergy and asthma in childhood

Carlos E Baena-Cagnani1, Héctor A Badellino

  • 1CIMER (Centro de Investigación en Medicina Respiratoria), Catholic University of Córdoba, Santa Rosa 381, X 5000 ESG, Córdoba, Argentina. cebaenac@fundacionlibra.org

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|November 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing asthma in young children is challenging due to developmental factors. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and managing childhood asthma symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood asthma affects over 300 million globally, with many cases originating in early life.
  • Diagnosing asthma in preschool children presents unique challenges compared to older children and adults.
  • Factors like lung development, environmental influences, and immune maturation complicate early asthma detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on early and accurate asthma diagnosis in preschool children.
  • To guide appropriate treatment decisions for improved asthma symptom control.
  • To minimize long-term health risks associated with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cross-sectional and cohort studies.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges specific to the preschool age group.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of asthma in early childhood.

Main Results:

  • Asthma diagnosis is more complex in preschool children than in older age groups.
  • Specific developmental and environmental factors impede straightforward diagnosis.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for timely intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Early and precise diagnosis is key to effective management of childhood asthma.
  • Addressing diagnostic challenges in preschoolers is vital for optimal health outcomes.
  • This review provides insights for pediatricians and specialists managing early-life asthma.

More Related Videos

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber08:47

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Related Concept Videos

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:
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-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: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
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-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
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,...