Recurrent wheeze and cough in young children: is it asthma?
- Author:
Mark Chung Wai NG
1
;
Choon How HOW
Author Information
1. SingHealth Family Medicine Residency Programme, 3 Second Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168937. ng.chung.wai@singhealth.com.sg.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Asthma;
diagnosis;
Child, Preschool;
Cough;
diagnosis;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Humans;
Infant;
Pediatrics;
methods;
Primary Health Care;
methods;
Respiratory Sounds;
diagnosis;
Treatment Outcome
- From:Singapore medical journal
2014;55(5):236-241
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A clinical diagnosis of asthma is often considered when a child presents with recurrent cough, wheeze and breathlessness. However, there are many other causes of wheeze in a young child. These range from recurrent viral infections to chronic suppurative lung disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and rare structural abnormalities. Arriving at a diagnosis includes taking into consideration the symptomatology, triggers, atopic features, family history, absence of red flags and therapeutic trial, where indicated.
