Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 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

Persistence of asthma medication use in preschool children

Mira G Zuidgeest1, Henriëtte A Smit, Madelon Bracke

  • 1Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Respiratory Medicine
|July 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Persistent asthma medication use in infants is low, with only 10.3% continuing for three years. Doctor-diagnosed asthma and inhaled corticosteroid use in the first year predict continued prescription of asthma medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Diagnosing asthma in young children is challenging, often leading to medication trials.
  • Understanding patterns of asthma medication use in early childhood is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the persistence of asthma medication use initiated in the first year of life.
  • To identify factors associated with the continued use of asthma medication in young children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 165 children from the PIAMA birth cohort who used asthma medication before age one.
  • Investigation of persistent use over three years post-initial prescription.
  • Cox regression analysis to determine factors linked to persistent use.

Main Results:

  • 58.8% of children continued asthma medication after the first prescription.
  • Only 10.3% maintained medication use for three years.
  • Doctor-diagnosed asthma (HR 0.64) and inhaled corticosteroid use (HR 0.59) in the first year were associated with continued use.

Conclusions:

  • Persistence of asthma medication prescribed in the first year of life is low.
  • Continued use is positively associated with a doctor's asthma diagnosis and initial prescription of inhaled corticosteroids.
  • Characterizing persistent users is key to understanding asthma medication prescribing in infants.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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-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: 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,...
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
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: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.