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Vol. 7 - Num. 2

Asthma in child and adolescent

Basic diagnostic evaluation in the asthmatic child and adolescent in Primary Care

JA Castillo Laitaa, C Pardos Martínez, M.ª Teresa Callén Blecuac, Ignacio L. Carvajal Urueñad

aCS Fuentes de Ebro. Zaragoza. España.

cCS de Bidebieta, San Sebastián. Servicio Vasco de Salud/Osakidetza. España.
dCS La Ería. Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. Oviedo. Asturias. España.

Reference of this article: Castillo Laita JA, Pardos Martínez C, Callén Blecua MT, Carvajal Urueña IL. Basic diagnostic evaluation in the asthmatic child and adolescent in Primary Care. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2005;7 Supl 2:S29-47.

Published in Internet: 30-06-2005 - Visits: 8249

Abstract

To establish the diagnosis of asthma, the clinician must determine that episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction are present, airflow obstruction is at least partially reversible and alternative diagnoses are excluded. Recommended mechanisms to establish the diagnosis are detailed medical history, physical exam focusing on the upper respiratory tract, chest and skin, and spirometry to demonstrate reversibility. Additional studies may be considered to evaluate alternative diagnoses, identify precipitating factors and assess the severity of asthma. Asthma often begins in childhood, and when it does, it is frequently found in association with atopy. A family history of atopy is the most important clearly defined risk factor for atopy in children. A maternal history of asthma and/or rhinitis is a significant risk factor for late childhood onset asthma. Markers of allergic disease at presentation (skin prick tests and peripheral blood markers) are related to severity of current asthma and persistence through childhood.

Keywords

Asthma Diagnosis

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