Saraswatula et al Investigation findings in children with ‘difficult’ asthma
| Main finding | Associated findings | Treatment changes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe malacia (6) | Low FAB (5/6), significant allergy (2/6) | Stopping bronchodilators, antibioticprophylaxis, pneumovax & Hib booster, referral to allergy specialist |
| GORD (3) | Mild malacia (1/3), significant allergy (2/3), low FAB (1/3) | Anti-reflux medication, antibiotic, prophylaxis, referral to allergy specialist, pneumovax booster |
| Low FAB (2) | Pneumovax & Hib booster | |
| Significant allergy (1) | Mild malacia | Referral to allergy specialist |
| PCD (1) | Mild malacia | Antibiotic prophylaxis |
| Inhaled FB (1) | Low FAB | Lobectomy |
| ABPA (1) | Low FAB | Steroids, Hib booster |
GORD, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; FAB, functional antibodies; PCD, primary ciliary dyskinesia; FB, foreign body; ABPA, allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis.