#141 - The Peds-AIRQ explained: pediatric asthma control

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in children. It is a leading cause of missed school and emergency room visits. Doctors use tools (validated questionnaires) to assess how well a child’s asthma is controlled and whether their medicine is helping. Some tools only ask about symptoms, which can miss children who are still at risk for asthma attacks. The lead author, Dr. Kevin Murphy, joins us to talk about “Pediatric Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire: A Control Assessment for Children Aged 5 to 11 Years,” published July 2025 in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. The Peds-AIRQ was designed to improve how doctors identify uncontrolled asthma in children by asking about both current symptoms and past asthma attacks. This approach helps avoid missing children who may seem okay day to day but are at higher risk for future flare-ups. What we cover in this episode Why asthma control in children can be hard to measure What “controlled asthma” really means Why past asthma attacks matter, even when symptoms seem mild What the Peds-AIRQ is and how it works How this tool may support better conversations between families and doctors DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC More asthma in kids resources  Take the Peds-AIRQ questionnaire  What is asthma? Asthma in Babies and Children Childhood Asthma: A Complex Condition That Doesn’t Have to Be So Complicated - video *********** The Itch Review, hosted by Dr. Gupta, Kortney, and Dr. Blaiss, explores allergy and immunology studies, breaking down complex research in conversations accessible to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Each episode provides key insights from journal articles and includes a one-page infographic in the show notes for easy reference. *********** Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca for sponsoring today’s episode.  This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.