Current concepts in asthma treatment in children

The purpose of this review is to present current literature related to the management of childhood asthma.

Persistent asthma is now considered an inflammatory airways disease. Inhaled corticosteroids are recognized as the preferred long-term control medication. New classes of medications have been introduced during the last 5 years, including leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists, combination inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists, and anti-IgE. Research is also being directed to understand the early onset of asthma.

Management of childhood asthma is now being directed to early recognition and early intervention. Recent updates in the asthma guidelines prompt clinicians to consider intervention with antiinflammatory therapy, preferably inhaled corticosteroids, in children who have frequent asthma exacerbations and a risk profile for persistent asthma. In children with persistent asthma, inhaled corticosteroids are recognized as the preferred antiinflammatory therapy. Health care systems that have adapted this approach have recognized the benefits of reduced hospitalizations and urgent care visits. Continued research is needed to identify asthma at a very early stage so that interventions can be directed to interrupting the development of this disease.