Introduction
- A heterogeneous disease with chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
- Most common chronic disease in pediatric age groups that causes significant morbidity
- Characterized by history of respiratory symptoms (eg wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough) that vary over time and in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow limitation
- Symptoms occur with exercise, laughing or crying in the absence of an apparent respiratory infection
Signs and Symptoms
Recurrent Episodes
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Heavy breathing
- Chest tightness
- Reduced activity
- Recurrent or persistent non-productive cough that may be worse at night