Asthma Predictive Index
Major Criteria
Minor Criteria
What is the Asthma Predictive Index (API)?
It’s a clinical tool for assessing asthma risk in children under the age of three (3). In children who have episodic wheezing, the API calculator helps them to detect asthma early on.
The risk of asthma development at school age in preschoolers can be determined effortlessly. The assessment is based on risk factors and symptoms. Therefore, this data helps predict pediatric asthma based on wheezing.
- Why is such information important?You can monitor symptoms, avoid triggers, and consult a pulmonologist timely if high-risk children are identified early.
How do I find my predictive index score?
The API calculator evaluates crucial risk factors quickly and precisely. To calculate the asthma risk score, answer a few questions about your child’s health and symptoms.
Input Conditions:
- Number of wheezing episodes encountered per year (3 or more required for a positive index)
- Does at least one parent have asthma? (Yes/No)
- Is the child suffering from atopic dermatitis? (Yes/No)
- Is the child allergic to anything (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pets)? (Yes/No)
- In CBC report, elevated eosinophil count in blood (>4%) (Yes/No)
- Is the child wheezing without a cold? (Yes/No)
You can find out if your child has a positive or negative API when you get results. That will help you understand the risk of developing respiratory problems.
You can check our general health calculators for more information. ASCVD Risk Calculator, Child Pugh Score, Heart Rate calculator, Max Heart rate calculator, Blood type calculator, BSA Calculator
Disclaimer:
This is a screening tool to assist in clinical care and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What is the predictive index scoring analysis?
The API categorizes toddlers into high-risk or low-risk groups based on the presence of major and minor risk factors.
Major Criteria
To be considered at higher risk, a child must experience wheezing episodes and meet either of the following criteria:
- A parent with physician-diagnosed asthma
- Diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Sensitivity to airborne allergens (like pollen or dust mites)
Minor Criteria
- Wheezing, apart from colds
- Elevated eosinophils (≥4%)
- Become sensitive to common food allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts)
Positive result: A positive predictive score is identified when a kid has:
- 1 major or 2 minor criteria in addition to recurrent wheezing.
What Do Predictive Index Score Calculator Results Mean?
Positive API:
- In later childhood, your child is more likely to develop asthma (high risk). For further assessment and treatment, it is advised to see a pediatrician.
- Negative API:
There is less of a chance of developing asthma in the long run (low risk), but you should still monitor your symptoms.
What is Childhood Asthma?
Pediatric respiratory problems in preschoolers often include wheezing and coughing. This is mostly a viral infection; therefore, not all kids who wheeze are asthmatic.
However, it’s a chronic disease, which causes difficulty in breathing, even worse with sudden asthmatic attacks. This difficulty is due to the following problems in the lungs. These symptoms include swelling of the lung lining, inflammation, muscle tightening along the windpipe, and extra mucus.
Anyhow, it’s not contagious and can be controlled. You need to take daily suggested medications. Sadly, anyone with this respiratory disorder can experience an acute attack of symptoms. This is why we are advocating for early intervention.
Signs & Symptoms of Preschool Asthma
- Frequent wheezing, “whistling sounds in chest”
- Chronic cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Fast breathing
- A drop in activity
- Sleeping, laughing/crying distress signs
- Complaints like “chest feels tight” or “hurts.”
A Common and Growing Concern
In America, it affects both children and adults. Here is the recent CDC data (2021):
- Affects over 25% of the U.S. population, or around 1 in 13.
- Affects 6.5% of children under the age of 18 (about 4.7 million children).
- Numbers are highest in school-aged children (8.1% in ages 5–17).
- Among teenagers (9.5% in ages 15–17).
Asthma Prevalence in the United States (CDC 2021)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Overall U.S. Population | 1 in 13 people (approx. 25%) |
| Children (<18 years) | 6.5% (about 4.7 million children) |
| School-aged children (5–17) | 8.1% |
| Teenagers (15–17) | 9.5% |
How does an asthmatic attack happen? How to manage?
Even if you don’t have any visible symptoms, this respiratory disorder symbolizes that your airways are inflamed or swollen. Multiple factors can cause inflammation, sometimes an underlying condition. Any trigger could make symptoms worse.
Moreover, each child has specific triggers. So always monitor triggers and avoid them. Create a respiratory issues action plan with your doctor to manage it. Moreover, it is necessary to take medication on a regular basis.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
It’s a valuable resource for parents and healthcare providers. Early detection of high-risk children enables us to support their respiratory health and may help reduce disease progression.
Try the Asthma Predictive Index Calculator now and get instant insights into your child’s asthma risk!
FAQs:
1. Can the API diagnose asthma?
This calculator is not a diagnostic tool. But this is a screening tool that predicts what might happen. Always see a doctor if you want a correct diagnosis.
2. When should I use this calculator for my kid?
In children younger than three years old who suffer from chronic wheezing, this predictive index calculator works best for estimation.
3. Can external factors raise the risk of asthma?
Yes, asthma can worsen when you’re exposed to polluted air, smoke, and any kind of allergens.
4. Does my child have asthma?
If you want to be sure that your child has asthma, you should talk to a medical professional. The calculator can help identify potential risk factors based on the information provided.
