Ng CW, How CH
Correspondence: Dr Mark Ng Chung Wai, ng.chung.wai@singhealth.com.sg
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.
Keywords: asthma, childhood wheeze, diagnosis, primary care practitioner
Singapore Med J 2014; 55(5): 236-241; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014064
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