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Asthma exacerbation in children: a practical review
Lin-Shien Fu1, Ming-Chin Tsai2
1Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Technology, National Chi-Nan University, Nanto, Taiwan.
Insights
Childhood asthma exacerbations are frequently triggered by viruses, impacting healthcare. Controlling persistent asthma and early intervention are key to preventing severe attacks and future episodes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Asthma is a leading chronic respiratory disease in children globally.
- Acute asthma exacerbations pose significant challenges and healthcare burdens.
- Viral infections are primary triggers for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on asthma exacerbations in children.
- To discuss associated factors, triggers, and management strategies.
- To emphasize prevention and early intervention for severe asthma attacks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of asthma exacerbations.
- Analysis of triggers, risk factors, and management guidelines.
- Synthesis of information on prevention and control strategies.
Main Results:
- Viral-triggered exacerbations are common in children with asthma.
- Interactions between triggers may increase exacerbation likelihood.
- Controlling persistent asthma and early episodic intervention are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Current guidelines for persistent asthma control are supported.
- Timely education and comprehensive follow-up plans are vital post-exacerbation.
- Early intervention is critical for preventing severe asthma attacks.
Abstract:
Asthma is the most common chronic lower respiratory tract disease in childhood throughout the world. Despite advances in asthma management, acute exacerbations continue to be a major problem in patients and they result in a considerable burden on direct/indirect health care providers. A severe exacerbation occurring within 1 year is an independent risk factor. Respiratory tract viruses have emerged as the most frequent triggers of exacerbations in children. It is becoming increasingly clear that interactions may exist between viruses and other triggers, increasing the likelihood of an exacerbation. In this study, we provide an overview of current knowledge about asthma exacerbations, including its definition, impact on health care providers, and associated factors. Prevention management in intermittent asthma as well as intermittent wheeze in pre-school children and those with persistent asthma are discussed. Our review findings support the importance of controlling persistent asthma, as indicated in current guidelines. In addition, we found that early episodic intervention appeared to be crucial in preventing severe attacks and future exacerbations. Besides the use of medication, timely education after an exacerbation along with a comprehensive plan in follow up is also vitally important.
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