Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Question 3: Can we diagnose asthma in children under the age of 5 years?
C L Yang1, J M Gaffin2, D Radhakrishnan3
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Diagnosing asthma in young children is challenging. A new pragmatic approach focuses on reversible airflow obstruction and medication response, aiming to improve treatment guidance and reduce childhood asthma illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Diagnosis
Background:
- Asthma diagnosis in children under five remains controversial due to evolving definitions.
- Existing diagnostic methods and symptom-based algorithms fail to predict medication benefits in this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a pragmatic approach for diagnosing asthma in young children.
- To improve clinical guidance and reduce asthma-related morbidity in children under five.
Main Methods:
- Focus on identifying signs and symptoms of reversible airflow obstruction.
- Documenting the child's response to asthma medication.
Main Results:
- This pragmatic approach aims to provide clearer diagnostic guidance.
- It is expected to improve the management of asthma in young children.
Conclusions:
- A pragmatic diagnostic strategy for childhood asthma is proposed.
- This approach emphasizes objective measures of airflow obstruction and treatment response.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of asthma in children under five years has been controversial due to changing concepts of what true asthma is in this age group. Previous diagnostic algorithms that used clinical indices to predict the persistence of asthma symptoms or phenotypes based on asthma triggers do not predict which children will benefit from asthma medication. A pragmatic approach to asthma diagnosis in this age group is based on identifying signs and symptoms of reversible airflow obstruction and documenting their response to asthma medication. Hopefully, this approach will provide clearer guidance to clinicians and improve asthma morbidity in these young children.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Asthma-I: Introduction
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.

