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Who should use TRACK?

This simple test can help determine if your child's breathing problems are not under control.
The test was designed for children who

  • Are under 5 years of age AND
  • Have a history of 2 or more episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, or cough lasting more than 24 hours AND
  • Have been previously prescribed bronchodilator medicines, also known as quick-relief medications (eg, albuterol, Ventolin®, Proventil®, Maxair®, ProAir®, or Xopenex®) for respiratory problems OR have been diagnosed with asthma

If you would rather print the TRACK test and complete it by hand, please download the TRACK PDF. PDF

How to take TRACK

Learn More...

about asthma, how to recognize symptoms, creating an asthma action plan, and more.

Go >>

1
Click the bubble below each of your selected answers.
2
Click the "Calculate Results" button once you've answered each question to get your child's TRACK score.
3
Print your child's TRACK score results to discuss with your child’s health care provider on the next visit.

During the past 4 weeks, how often was your child bothered by breathing problems, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath?






During the past 4 weeks, how often did your child's breathing problems (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) wake him or her up at night?






During the past 4 weeks, to what extent did your child's breathing problems, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, interfere with his or her ability to play, go to school, or engage in usual activities that a child should be doing at his or her age?






During the past 3 months, how often did you need to treat your child's breathing problems (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) with quick-relief medications (albuterol, Ventolin®, Proventil®, Maxair®, ProAir®, Xopenex®, or Primatene® Mist)?






During the past 12 months, how often did your child need to take oral corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone, Orapred®, Prelone®, Decadron®) for breathing problems not controlled by other medications?






The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Quality Improvement Innovation Network (QuIIN) participated in the validation of this tool.
Other brands mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse AstraZeneca or its products.

Asthma information

Below you will find some useful information to keep in mind as you and your child's health care provider review your child's TRACK score.

What is asthma?

Asthma is an ongoing condition that interferes with your child's breathing. It should be noted that, when dealing with asthma in children, there is often some degree of inflammation in their lungs, even when no symptoms are present. As a result, their lungs are especially sensitive and easily irritated. When irritated, the lining of their airways swells, and mucus can begin to block the flow of air to their lungs. At the same time, the muscles around their airways become tight, making it hard to breathe and creating a variety of asthma symptoms.

Recognizing asthma triggers

Learning what can make your child's asthma worse is important. Activities or things that can set off asthma symptoms — such as coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties — are called triggers. The following are common factors that can trigger asthma symptoms.

  • Colds or viral infections
  • Dust mites
  • Animal dander and saliva
  • Grass, tree, and weed pollens
  • Airborne molds
  • Exercise
  • Foods or food additives (like
    preservatives used in salad bars)
  • Cockroach droppings
  • Strong odors/perfumes
  • Fumes from gas stove or fireplace
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Wood/fireplace smoke
  • Cold air
  • Prolonged laughing or crying
  • Reflux disease/heartburn
  • Medications
  • Emotional distress

Creating an asthma action plan

Coming up with an asthma action plan with your child's health care provider is a great way to help keep your child's asthma under control. After developing the plan with your child's health care provider, you'll have a better understanding of

  • The symptoms during each stage of your child's action plan
  • Common triggers to avoid
  • When to use a long-term controller medicine, when to add a quick-relief bronchodilator medicine, and when to get immediate help from a doctor

Working with your child's health care provider

Completing the TRACK test can help prepare you for your child's next doctor visit. Some young children can outgrow asthma as they get older. Talk to your child's health care provider about the Asthma Predictive Index, or API, which can help the provider predict whether your child may still have asthma in future years. In addition, it's important to keep your child's health care provider informed about

  • Changes in your child's environment (starting day care, introducing pets, etc)
  • Visits to the ER or treatment by other health care providers
  • All medications your child has been taking since the last doctor visit
  • Symptoms that may indicate an improvement or worsening of your child's condition
  • A family history of asthma

Ask your child's health care provider for additional information about managing your child's asthma

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