Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Background severity of asthma in children discharged from the emergency department

M S R Khan1, M O'Meara, R L Henry

  • 1School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Many children visiting the emergency department (ED) for asthma attacks have undertreated persistent asthma or lack appropriate preventer therapy. Improving asthma management plans and parental knowledge is crucial for better disease control in pediatric asthma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Asthma Management

Background:

  • Emergency department (ED) visits for acute asthma attacks in children may signal undertreatment of persistent asthma.
  • However, many ED presentations involve children with infrequent episodic asthma, complicating treatment assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize asthma patterns in children discharged from the ED.
  • To identify opportunities for improving underlying asthma control in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 310 parental caretakers of children (aged 1-15) treated for asthma in the ED.
  • Utilized asthma control, knowledge, and caregiver quality of life questionnaires.
  • Assessed asthma severity and medication history, including first-time asthma attacks.

Main Results:

  • 43% had infrequent episodic asthma, 34% frequent episodic, 13% persistent asthma, and 11% their first attack.
  • 39% were not on preventer therapy (appropriate for infrequent episodic), but 14% with frequent episodic/persistent asthma lacked appropriate therapy.
  • 34% experienced frequent symptoms despite receiving preventer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Deficiencies noted in preventer medication use, written asthma management plans, and parental knowledge among children with established asthma presenting to the ED.
  • A significant number of children presented with infrequent symptoms or for their first asthma episode, requiring tailored management strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device09:36

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device

Published on: September 24, 2020

Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)06:22

Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Published on: April 7, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...