Diagnosis and management of asthma in children

Abstract

Asthma is the the most common chronic respiratory condition of childhood worldwide, with around 14% of children and young people affected. Despite the high prevalence, paediatric asthma outcomes are inadequate, and there are several avoidable deaths each year. Characteristic asthma features include wheeze, shortness of breath and cough, which are typically triggered by a number of possible stimuli. There are several diagnostic challenges, and as a result, both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of paediatric asthma remain problematic.Effective asthma management involves a holistic approach addressing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, as well as education and self-management aspects. Working in partnership with children and families is key in promoting good outcomes. Education on how to take treatment effectively, trigger avoidance, modifiable risk factors and actions to take during acute attacks via personalised asthma action plans is essential.This review aimed to provide an overview of good clinical practice in the diagnosis and management of paediatric asthma. We discuss the current diagnostic challenges and predictors of life-threatening attacks. Additionally, we outline the similarities and differences in global paediatric asthma guidelines and highlight potential future developments in care. It is hoped that this review will be useful for healthcare providers working in a range of child health settings.

Probiotics in Children with Asthma

“…Managing asthma, therefore, constitutes a remarkable commitment for pediatricians [ 5 ]. The asthma workup is based on demonstrating bronchial obstruction reversibility (or, if absent, bronchial hyperresponsiveness to stimuli), and measuring lung function, inflammation intensity, and symptom severity [ 6 ].…”

MicroRNA-146a-5p and microRNA‐210‐3p Correlate with T Regulatory Cells Frequency and Predict Asthma Severity in Egyptian Pediatric Population

“…Subsequently, using individualized asthma action plans, it is vital to modify the risk factors and steps taken during acute attacks. 14 Understanding the processes that sustain asthmatic inflammation is essential for the development of precise treatments, so this was our objective. 116…”

Experiences of young people living with type 1 diabetes in transition to adulthood: The importance of care provider familiarity and support

“…In hospitals where such a youth clinic is not possible, it may be relevant for the care providers to focus on the personal patient–provider relationship and support the young people in their everyday life to improve young people's transition. Relatedly, even though this study focuses on young people with T1D, the experiences are likely to apply to other chronic diseases including asthma—the most common chronic disease among children and young people worldwide [44]—because this chronic disease also requires a multidisciplinary care team specialised in treating young people [45].…”