Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma in children: a tertiary hospital's experience

Methods We studied 82 children (age 2-15y) that were referred to our clinic during 2013-2014 and their history and/or physical examination revealed a clinical suspicion of asthma, according to GINA. Children were evaluated by personal/ family history, physical examination, skin prick tests to common allergens, total/specific IgE levels. Lung function tests were carried out where possible. Chest X-ray and sweat test were performed if needed. Children were divided into three groups: children with asthma diagnosed for first time, children with asthma whose symptoms were uncontrolled and children with severe/persistent asthma.