Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms are common in childhood, and it can be difficult to diagnose their cause. A study published in Pediatric Pulmonology found that the diagnoses proposed by primary care physicians are often not the same as the final diagnoses after specialist referrals.
In the study of 214 children, the final diagnosis was asthma in 54% of cases, extrathoracic dysfunctional breathing in 16%, thoracic dysfunctional breathing in 10%, asthma plus dysfunctional breathing in 11%, insufficient fitness in 5%, chronic cough in 3%, and other diagnoses in 1%.
Final diagnosis differed from referral diagnosis in 54% of cases. Ninety-one percent of the children with a final diagnosis of asthma were prescribed inhaled medication and 50% of children with dysfunctional breathing were referred to physiotherapy.
Additional Information
Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppul.25126
About the Journal
Pediatric Pulmonology (PPUL) is the foremost global journal studying the respiratory system in disease and in health as it develops from intrauterine life though adolescence to adulthood. Combining explicit and informative analysis of clinical as well as basic scientific research, PPUL provides a look at the many facets of respiratory system disorders in infants and children, ranging from pathological anatomy, developmental issues, and pathophysiology to infectious disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and airborne toxins. Focused attention is given to the reporting of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for neonates, preschool children, and adolescents, the enduring effects of childhood respiratory diseases, and newly described infectious diseases.
PPUL concentrates on subject matters of crucial interest to specialists preparing for the Pediatric Subspecialty Examinations in the United States and other countries. With its attentive coverage and extensive clinical data, this journal is a principle source for pediatricians in practice and in training and a must have for all pediatric pulmonologists.
About Wiley
Wiley drives the world forward with research and education. Through publishing, platforms and services, we help students, researchers, universities, and corporations to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to all of our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at www.wiley.com.