[Round Table: Severe asthma in pediatrics: therapeutic protocol between attacks]

The major factors contributing to asthma morbidity and mortality are underdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Consultation with an Allergy specialist may be appropriate for those patients with asthma who do not respond favorably to treatment. Effective treatments are available for controlling asthma symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and improving lung function so that patients can have active and productive lives. A comprehensive approach to treatment includes patient education, environmental control measures to reduce exposure to known risk factors, avoid adverse effects from asthma medications, establish individual medication plans for long-term control of asthma (especially through suppression and reversal of the inflammatory process), methods for monitoring asthma to be alert to signs of worsening, and medications for prompt reversal of exacerbations.