A new study published in JAMA has developed a nasal swab test that can accurately diagnose a child’s asthma subtype, making it easier for doctors to tailor treatment plans to individual needs. Historically, diagnosing the specific subtype of asthma – also known as an endotype – has been challenging due to the complexity of symptoms and limited testing options. However, researchers say their nasal swab test offers a promising solution. The test involves collecting a small sample from the nasal cavity and analyzing it for specific genetic markers associated with each asthma subtype. According to the study, this approach shows high accuracy in identifying endotypes in children with asthma. This breakthrough could significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for millions of children worldwide who suffer from this common respiratory condition.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/01/12/pediatric-asthma-nasal-swab-test