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Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
02:34

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Asthma and other recurrent wheezing disorders in children (chronic)

Stephen William Turner1, Amanda Jane Friend, Augusta Okpapi

  • 1University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|February 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This review examines treatments for childhood asthma, focusing on inhaled beta(2) agonists and additional therapies for uncontrolled cases. It evaluates the effectiveness and safety of various asthma medications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Childhood asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition with no cure, but manageable symptoms.
  • Risk factors include atopy, frequent wheezing, airway obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
  • Triggers for asthma exacerbations encompass infections, allergens, smoke exposure, and exercise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of single-agent prophylaxis in children using as-needed inhaled beta(2) agonists for asthma.
  • To evaluate additional prophylactic treatments for childhood asthma not adequately controlled by standard inhaled corticosteroids.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted, searching major databases up to June 2010.
  • Included studies comprised systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
  • Harms alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA were also incorporated.

Main Results:

  • Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
  • A GRADE evaluation assessed the quality of evidence for various interventions.
  • Information on the effectiveness and safety of multiple asthma interventions was compiled.

Conclusions:

  • The review presents data on long-acting beta(2) agonists, inhaled corticosteroids (standard and higher doses), oral leukotriene receptor antagonists, omalizumab, and oral theophylline.
  • Effectiveness and safety profiles of these interventions were analyzed.
  • Findings inform treatment decisions for childhood asthma management.
Abstract

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