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Asthma in Singapore children
1Department of Paediatrics, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
Hospital admissions for bronchial asthma increased in Singapore, despite a decline in respiratory infections. While asthma deaths remained low, undertreatment and underestimation of severity contribute to fatalities in children, highlighting the need for improved education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health Epidemiology
Background:
- A notable increase in hospital admissions for bronchial asthma has been observed in Singaporean government hospitals over the past decade.
- This trend contrasts with a concurrent decline in admissions attributed to other respiratory infections.
- Factors contributing to the rise in asthma admissions include enhanced clinical recognition and a potential increase in asthma prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in hospital admissions and mortality rates for bronchial asthma in Singapore.
- To identify key factors influencing asthma-related deaths among children and adolescents.
- To propose strategies for reducing asthma mortality in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital admission and mortality data for bronchial asthma.
- Review of contributing factors to asthma deaths in children and adolescents.
- Comparative analysis of trends with other respiratory infections.
Main Results:
- Hospital admissions for bronchial asthma have risen, while admissions for other respiratory infections have decreased.
- Asthma-related mortality rates have remained consistently low.
- Underestimation of asthma severity and inadequate treatment are identified as primary factors in pediatric asthma fatalities.
Conclusions:
- Despite low mortality, underestimation and undertreatment pose significant risks for childhood asthma deaths in Singapore.
- Enhanced public awareness and continuous medical education for healthcare professionals are crucial.
- These educational initiatives are recommended to mitigate asthma-related mortality in children and adolescents.
Abstract:
Over the last decade, admissions from respiratory infections have declined but there had been an increase in admissions from Bronchial Asthma in Singapore Government Hospitals. Better recognition by doctors and increased prevalence are important factors. However, mortality had remained low. Like other mortality studies, underestimation of the severity of asthma and undertreatment are the major contributing factors to asthma deaths in Singapore children. Therefore, better public education and continuing education of medical personnel may help to reduce deaths from asthma in children and adolescents.