Wheezing, cough and increased work of breathing are common pediatric presentations that can quickly lead clinicians to consider asthma. But not every child with lower -airway symptoms has asthma. Viral illness, tracheomalacia, aspiration and other conditions can mimic asthma, making the underlying cause difficult to recognize based on symptoms alone. In this episode, we take a closer look at the clinical clues that can help pediatricians distinguish non-asthmatic causes of lower-airway symptoms from asthma. 

Monica Federico, MD, is a pulmonologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, the medical director of the hospital's asthma program and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Some highlights from this episode include:

  • Common pediatric presentations that can mimic asthma 
  • Clinical clues that may point to a non-asthmatic cause of wheezing or cough 
  • Viral illness, tracheomalacia and aspiration as alternative diagnoses 
  • When persistent or atypical symptoms should prompt a broader evaluation 
  • How recognizing the underlying cause can change management 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

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