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The burden of asthma in children: a Latin American perspective

Gilberto Bueno Fischer1, Paulo Augusto Moreira Camargos, Helena Teresinha Mocelin

  • 1Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil. gbuenof@terra.com.br

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|February 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Asthma prevalence is rising globally, especially in Latin America, straining healthcare systems. Targeted asthma programs show promise in reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Global asthma prevalence has significantly increased over the past three decades.
  • Latin America exhibits some of the highest asthma prevalence rates worldwide.
  • Pediatric asthma admissions contribute substantially to healthcare costs in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the challenges in asthma management in Latin America.
  • To highlight the impact of asthma on healthcare systems in resource-limited settings.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of asthma programs in reducing admissions and burden.

Main Methods:

  • Review of global asthma prevalence studies.
  • Analysis of asthma admission data in Latin American countries.
  • Assessment of current asthma treatment guideline adherence.
  • Evaluation of outcomes from implemented asthma programs.

Main Results:

  • International asthma treatment guidelines are not consistently met in Latin America.
  • Limited resources hinder access to appropriate asthma care.
  • Existing asthma programs demonstrate potential in reducing hospital admissions.
  • Successful programs show a decrease in the overall burden of asthma.

Conclusions:

  • Local adaptation of international asthma guidelines is crucial for cost-effectiveness and improved outcomes.
  • Implementing tailored asthma management strategies can mitigate the growing burden of the disease.
  • Further development and dissemination of successful asthma programs are recommended for Latin America.

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