RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Asthma in Preschool Children: A Review of the Diagnostic Challenges JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine JO J Am Board Fam Med FD American Board of Family Medicine SP 538 OP 548 DO 10.3122/jabfm.2014.04.130276 VO 27 IS 4 A1 Cave, Andrew J. A1 Atkinson, Lana L. YR 2014 UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/27/4/538.abstract AB Family physicians face many challenges when diagnosing asthma in preschool children. These diagnostic challenges are compounded by variations in the natural history of early stage asthma, which are not fully understood, since early childhood wheezing and asthma are heterogeneous disorders with many phenotypic and variable expressions. Since no standard definition for the type, severity, or frequency of symptoms exist for this age group, clear evidence-based recommendations are lacking. Without adequate guidance, family physicians are left to make diagnostic and treatment decisions, which can lead to undertreatment of asthmatics and overtreatment of transient wheezers. New guidelines that specifically address the challenges of diagnosing asthma in this particular age group (Global Initiative for Asthma, British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) have recently been published, and researchers are actively seeking new methods and techniques through epidemiological studies to assist primary care clinicians in the diagnostic process. This review has wide application in primary care. By recognizing the diagnostic challenges and understanding the related best practices, family physicians will be better placed to treat, manage, and control asthma symptoms, resulting in lower morbidity rates and reduced health system costs, as well as enhancing the overall quality of life and well-being of the children affected.