Considerations

• According to Merck, epidemiological studies have indicated that asthma is misdiagnosed often. Thus, caregivers should question physicians about other possible conditions in order to ensure a proper diagnosis.
  
  

Structural Malformations

• Infants and children who are suspected of having asthma should be evaluated for conditions such as vascular rings and tracheoesophageal fistula. These structural malformations may cause symptoms similar to those caused by asthma.
  
  

Diseases

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, cystic fibrosis and immunodeficiency disease also should be considered and ruled-out before finalizing a diagnosis of pediatric asthma.
  
  

Infections

• Recurrent viral respiratory infections may also cause asthma-like symptoms.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Asthma is usually diagnosed based on the results of lung- function tests. However, other tests will be needed to rule out other possible conditions and diseases.