Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Disagreement among common measures of asthma control in children

Robin J Green1, Max Klein1, Piet Becker2

  • 1Division of Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.

Chest
|August 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Assessing childhood asthma control is complex. This study found that common methods like lung function tests and symptom questionnaires often disagree, highlighting challenges in accurately measuring asthma control in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma is a prevalent global health issue that, while manageable, presents challenges in assessing control.
  • Current asthma control assessment relies on symptom history, physical exams, and lung function, which may not align.
  • Discrepancies in these measures complicate effective asthma management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the agreement between different methods used to assess asthma control in children.
  • To identify potential inconsistencies in clinical practice when determining asthma control status.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving children aged 4-11 with atopic asthma.
  • Four assessment methods were used: fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), spirometry, Childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT), and clinical assessment by a pediatrician.
  • Agreement was quantified using cross-tabulation and kappa statistics, with outcomes categorized as controlled or uncontrolled.

Main Results:

  • Eighty children were included; mean FENO was significantly higher in pediatrician-judged uncontrolled asthma.
  • A notable lack of agreement was observed across all tested measures of asthma control.
  • Clinical assessment and cACT showed the highest agreement (69%), while FENO and cACT had the lowest (49.3%).

Conclusions:

  • Different methods for assessing asthma control in children demonstrate significant disagreement.
  • These findings underscore the need for improved, standardized methods for evaluating asthma control in pediatric populations.
  • Clinical implications suggest caution when relying on a single measure for asthma control assessment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography08:58

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography

Published on: July 10, 2018

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-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-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 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: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...