INCREASING THE ROLE OF PEDIATRICIANS IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN AN OUTPATIENT-POLYCLINIC SETTING

Abstract

Bronchial asthma (BA) is the most common chronic disease among children, and its untimely diagnosis and incorrect treatment can lead to delays in the child's physical development, a sharp decline in quality of life, and disability. In practice, a BA diagnosis is often delayed until the disease has progressed to a moderate or severe stage. One of the main reasons for this is the low index of suspicion among pediatricians in the primary health care setting, particularly in outpatient clinics, regarding the early, subtle signs of BA. Other factors include insufficient use of modern diagnostic methods (peak flowmetry, spirometry) and difficulties in differential diagnosis with other conditions presenting with chronic cough or recurrent bronchitis. Therefore, developing and implementing comprehensive measures aimed at improving the skills of pediatricians and providing them with the necessary tools and clear algorithms for the early detection of BA is a highly urgent task for modern pediatrics and public health.