New Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids

​Boys Town National Research Hospital researcher, Kevin Murphy, M.D. is unveiling a new test for respiratory and asthma control in kids, called TRACK, to physicians across the country. The standardized questionnaire​ will help evaluate and measure respiratory control in children less than 5 years of age.

“Asthma in children is a leading cause of activity limitation, hospitalizations and medical costs, with 80% of children aged 5 to 18 years having symptoms before 5 years of age,” said Dr. Murphy. “This tool will help parents communicate more efficiently with their child’s physician about any concerns regarding their young child’s respiratory or asthma problems.”

The five easy-to-answer questions can help determine if your child’s breathing problems are under control. The test is designed for children with a history of two or more episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing lasting more than 24 hours, and who have been previously prescribed bronchodilator medications.

Validated in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics Quality Improvement Innovation Network, the TRACK tool is a reliable means of evaluating and measuring respiratory control in young children. Previous asthma tools have been focused on adults and school-age children.

The full study, “Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK): A caregiver-completed questionnaire for preschool-aged children” is published in the May issue of the 2009 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Kevin R Murphy, M.D., is Board Certified in Pediatric Pulmonology. Dr. Murphy has been committed to clinical research for more than 20 years and serves as Director of Allergy, Asthma and Pulmomology Research at Boys Town National Research Hospital. He has played an active role in the medical community by developing medical response protocols for asthma and allergy reactions in local and state-wide school systems.