Resumen

CHAUSTRE, Ismenia et al. Diagnóstico de asma en el niño. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2010, vol.73, n.2, pp.66-72. ISSN 0004-0649.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway pathways characterized by an obstruction of airflow, which may be completely or partially reversed with or without specific therapy. Airway inflammation is the result of interactions between various cells, cellular elements and cytokines. In susceptible individuals, airway inflammation may cause recurrent or persistent broncho spasm, which causes symptoms including wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. Childhood asthma includes several different clinical phenotypes with different management strategies. The diagnosis of asthma in children requires a careful review of the child's current and past medical history, family history and a physical examination. Specialized testing is sometimes needed to diagnose asthma and to rule out other possible causes.

Palabras clave : asthma; phenotypes; symptoms; spirometry.