Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 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

Management of childhood asthma in Western Australia

Claudia Calogero1, Merci M H Kusel, Hugo P S Van Bever

  • 1Telethon Institute for Child Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|February 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

General practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians in Western Australia manage childhood asthma similarly, largely following guidelines. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred first-line maintenance therapy for most age groups.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • General Practice
  • Asthma Management

Background:

  • Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition requiring effective management strategies.
  • Understanding current management practices by healthcare providers is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the approaches of General Practitioners (GPs) and specialist paediatricians in Western Australia for managing childhood asthma.
  • To assess adherence to current asthma management guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire survey was distributed to 992 GPs and specialist paediatricians in Western Australia.
  • The survey collected data on maintenance and acute asthma management preferences across different pediatric age groups (infants, pre-school, school-aged).

Main Results:

  • Response rates varied: 21.4% for GPs and 71.0% for paediatricians.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were the primary maintenance therapy for all age groups.
  • Treatment for pre-schoolers and school-aged children varied, with short-acting beta(2)-agonists (SBA) and combination therapy (ICS + long-acting beta(2)-agonist) being common, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Practicing GPs and paediatricians in Western Australia demonstrate good compliance with Australian asthma management guidelines.
  • No significant differences in treatment preferences were observed between GPs and paediatricians.
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-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: 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.
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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
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,...