[Guideline 'Treating asthma in children' for pediatric pulmonologists (2nd revised edition). I. Diagnosis and prevention].
The case history and physical examination form the corner-stones for asthma diagnosis. Establishing the correct diagnosis may be difficult in infants and preschool children; in such cases the progression of the symptoms over time is important. Routine laboratory and radiological investigations are advised against. Allergy testing may be useful in children under the age of 4 years. Lung function investigations can be used from the age of 5 to 6 years onwards. Non-invasive investigations into the degree of bronchial inflammation can be performed by measuring the fraction nitric oxide in exhaled air. House dust mite reduction is a useful measure for preventing asthma if sensitisation has been demonstrated. Breast-feeding during the first 4 to 6 months of life can be considered as a preventive measure in infants with an increased risk of developing asthma and allergy.
Duiverman
E J
EJ
Academisch Ziekenhuis, Beatrix Kinderkliniek, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, sectie Kinderlongziekten, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen. e.j.duiverman@bkk.azg.nl
Jöbsis
Q
Q
van Essen-Zandvliet
E E
EE
van Aalderen
W M
WM
de Jongste
J C
JC
D000367:Age Factors; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D009426:Netherlands; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D009569:Nitric Oxide