Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. It results in airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, presenting with cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness. The diagnosis of asthma can be challenging as spirometry with bronchodilator response remains the gold standard of diagnosis, but many children are unable to perform this test adequately. In addition, there are several different asthma phenotypes including cough variant, allergic, etc.
 

Main Guideline  Algorithm
 

Handouts for Patient Families

Handouts for Providers

References

These guidelines are intended solely for the use of healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine. This material is not intended to replace professional medical judgment, prescribing information or consultation with a medical professional. Any health care provider using this material acknowledges full responsibility for the medical care and treatment of patients. All health care providers are solely responsible for confirming the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, appropriateness and helpfulness of this material and making all medical, diagnostic or prescription decisions.

For questions about the guidelines, CLASP [at] Connecticutchildrens.org (email the CLASP team).