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A survey on the diagnosis and management of asthma in young children

D Kourdoulos1, P Schattner

  • 1Monash University, Department of Community Medicine, Victoria.

Australian Family Physician
|July 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

General practitioners (GPs) diagnose pediatric asthma mainly through patient history and wheezing. While management is generally appropriate, mild asthma cases may be overtreated, with overuse of inhaled corticosteroids noted.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • General Practice
  • Clinical Guideline Adherence

Background:

  • Asthma diagnosis and management in children under five present unique challenges for general practitioners (GPs).
  • Adherence to established guidelines, such as the National Asthma Campaign, is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Understanding current diagnostic and management practices is essential for identifying areas of improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diagnostic and management strategies employed by GPs for asthma in children under five.
  • To compare these practices against the recommendations outlined in the National Asthma Campaign guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted in November 1995.
  • The study targeted 164 general practitioners in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
  • Data collection focused on the diagnosis and management of asthma in young children.

Main Results:

  • History, particularly nocturnal and chronic cough, alongside wheezing, were identified as primary diagnostic indicators by GPs.
  • Wheeze was considered the most significant clinical sign for confirming asthma.
  • An observed overuse of oral beta 2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids was reported.

Conclusions:

  • Asthma diagnosis in young children is predominantly based on clinical history and the presence of wheeze.
  • Overall asthma management by GPs appears appropriate, but potential overtreatment in mild cases and overuse of inhaled corticosteroids warrant attention.
Abstract

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