The Usefulness of Chest Radiographs in First Asthma Attacks

Five to 10 per cent of all children will at some time have an illness with wheezing that is compatible with the diagnosis of asthma.^1,2 Asthma is the most frequent of all the chronic illnesses of childhood.^3,4 Despite recent major therapeutic advances, asthma remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity in terms of missed school days and days of hospitalization. The preferred method of diagnostically evaluating a child who presents with wheezing is controversial. Chest radiography is often recommended for patients having a first episode of wheezing.^{5 6 7} In fact, a wellknown pediatric textbook⁸ teaches that “every child suspected of asthma.