When deciding on keywords to use as search terms, it is equally important to consider alternate terminology that could be used to describe the same concepts.

Alternate terms offer the advantage of broadening a search to include articles using different keywords or descriptors to ones you might have chosen, as well as compensating for different cultural perspectives or audiences.

Sample topic:

Asthma is a reversible obstructive lung disease, caused by an increased reaction of the airways to various stimuli. It is the leading serious chronic illness among children. Asthma can be triggered by allergies among other things. Identify some common factors that may cause allergic reactions, resulting in asthma attacks in children.

Some examples of alternate terms:

• allergies OR allergens
• acute OR chronic OR bronchial asthma
• pediatric OR infant OR child