Differential Diagnosis for Pediatric Asthma

According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma is "the most common chronic illness in children." Symptoms of pediatric asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest congestion and difficulty breathing. Other conditions may produce symptoms similar to asthma and in some cases may be misdiagnosed as asthma. A differential diagnosis of asthma is any condition that also may be considered when considering a group of symptoms.

Considerations

• According to Merck, epidemiological studies have indicated that asthma is misdiagnosed often. Thus, caregivers should question physicians about other possible conditions in order to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Structural Malformations

• Infants and children who are suspected of having asthma should be evaluated for conditions such as vascular rings and tracheoesophageal fistula. These structural malformations may cause symptoms similar to those caused by asthma.

Diseases

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, cystic fibrosis and immunodeficiency disease also should be considered and ruled-out before finalizing a diagnosis of pediatric asthma.

Infections

• Recurrent viral respiratory infections may also cause asthma-like symptoms.

Diagnosis

• Asthma is usually diagnosed based on the results of lung- function tests. However, other tests will be needed to rule out other possible conditions and diseases.