Related Experiment Videos
[Treatment of children with asthma--ideals and reality]
A Langhammer1, T L Holmen, J Holmen
1Samfunnsmedisinsk forskningssenter, Statens institutt for folkehelse, Verdal.
Insights
Asthma control in children is suboptimal despite regular follow-up. Improving parental education and treatment plans can enhance asthma management in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- General Practice
- Chronic Disease Management
Context:
- Childhood bronchial asthma represents a significant burden in general practice.
- Effective management is crucial for long-term health outcomes in children.
Purpose:
- To assess morbidity, examination practices, and treatment efficacy in pediatric asthma patients.
- To identify gaps in current asthma care against established guidelines.
Summary:
- A study involving 102 children (7-15 years) with asthma utilized questionnaires, spirometry, and peak flow monitoring.
- Results indicated suboptimal asthma control in many children, with only 60% achieving acceptable control.
- While many children received specialist care and allergy testing, optimal home allergen exposure was low.
Impact:
- Findings highlight a discrepancy between current asthma care and guideline recommendations.
- Emphasizes the need for enhanced patient/parent education on asthma triggers and treatment.
- Suggests evaluating current guideline goals and implementing written treatment plans for better pediatric asthma management.
Abstract:
Children with bronchial asthma are the largest group of children with chronic disease in general practice. The aim of this study was to obtain information on morbidity, examination, and treatment in children with bronchial asthma. 102 children with current asthma, aged 7-15 years, participated in this study, which used a questionnaire, flow volume spirometry with beta2-agonist reversibility test, and two weeks of registrations of peak flow and symptom score. Most children had mild to moderate asthma; 60% had acceptable asthma control defined by a morbidity index. 64 children used either inhaled steroids or dinatriumcromoglycate prophylactic. 76 children had been examined by a paediatrician. Lung function measurements had been performed in 57 of 69 children with follow-up in general practice during the last 12 months. Allergy tests had been taken of 87 children. With respect to allergen exposure at home, only 30 children reported having an optimal home environment. Despite the extensive follow-up of children with asthma, our study indicates that the asthma control is not up to the standard set by current guidelines. By use of written treatment plans, and increasing knowledge of the disease, triggers and of the treatment of children and their parents, we probably would exploit the potential better. The recommendations and goals of the guidelines should, however, also be evaluated.