Making a diagnosis of asthma in
children ≥ 6 years and adolescents
A simple stepwise pathway to support assessment, diagnosis, and initial management.
Patient with chronic or recurrent
respiratory symptoms
respiratory symptoms
↓
History and diagnosis suggestive of
asthma
asthma
↓
Variable expiratory flow on
spirometry or peak expiratory flow
if available
spirometry or peak expiratory flow
if available
↓
Start asthma treatment containing
ICS
ICS
If symptoms are not suggestive, find
alternative diagnosis
If alternative diagnosis is unlikely, give
empirical treatment
containing ICS for
1-month and review.
Clinical note: Where spirometry or peak expiratory flow is available, it can support diagnosis by showing variable expiratory airflow limitation. If it is not available, clinical history and response to treatment remain important in decision-making.