SATURDAY, Nov. 26, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- A simple seven-question quiz called the Childhood Asthma Control Test is a reliable and accurate method of assessing asthma control in children four to 11 years old, a new study found.
The test correctly classified a child's asthma control level in 72 percent of cases, said researchers who presented their findings at a recent meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
The Childhood Asthma Control Test tracks symptoms to help parents and healthcare providers determine whether a child's asthma is under control. It's the first validated asthma assessment tool to involve both children and their parents/caregivers.
The test is consistent with asthma treatment guidelines established by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
The test "is reliable and so easy to use," Dr. Andrew Liu, associate professor of pediatric allergy and immunology at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, said in a prepared statement.
"Because of its design, the Childhood Asthma Control Test may be the key to helping parents talk to their child about asthma symptoms and helping children better communicate how they're feeling about their asthma to ensure the disease is properly controlled," Liu said.
More information
The American Lung Association has more about childhood asthma.
