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Childhood asthma: treatment update
A Ursulla Courtney1, Daniel F McCarter, Susan M Pollart
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. aun2v@virginia.edu
American Family Physician
|June 2, 2005
Summary
Childhood asthma management focuses on controlling symptoms and inflammation using inhaled corticosteroids and other medications. Early intervention and patient education are key to improving lung function and reducing school absences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Childhood asthma prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades.
- Family history of atopy and environmental factors like tobacco smoke are major risk factors.
- Asthma management aims to control symptoms, improve lung function, and minimize school absenteeism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic strategies for childhood asthma.
- To outline acute and chronic care management approaches.
- To discuss novel and adjunctive therapies for asthma control.
Main Methods:
- Review of current medical literature on asthma management.
- Discussion of pharmacological interventions for acute exacerbations and chronic control.
- Exploration of non-pharmacological approaches including education and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Acute exacerbations require inhaled beta2 agonists, potentially with anticholinergics and early systemic/inhaled corticosteroids.
- Chronic care emphasizes inhaled corticosteroids for inflammation, with options like leukotriene inhibitors and long-acting beta2 agonists.
- Patient education, self-management training, and immunotherapy can improve asthma outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Effective asthma management requires a multi-faceted approach combining appropriate medication, patient education, and potentially immunotherapy.
- Inhaled corticosteroids are central to preventive care.
- Newer agents like omalizumab offer options for severe cases but require further evaluation regarding cost-effectiveness.