Pediatric Asthma Management in China: Current and Future Challenges

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood asthma prevalence in China has seen a notable increase over recent decades.
• Data from 2013 indicated a prevalence of 3.0% among children aged 0-14 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of asthma diagnosis and treatment in China.
• To identify challenges hindering earlier diagnosis and effective management of childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on childhood asthma prevalence, acute attacks, and hospitalizations in China.
• Analysis of trends in asthma treatment protocols, including the adoption of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and national guidelines.
• Examination of changes in corticosteroid use (inhaled vs. systemic) between 2000 and 2010.

Main Results:

• Despite increased prevalence, acute asthma attacks decreased from 86% to 77% and hospitalizations from 54.0% to 47% between 2000 and 2010.
• These improvements are linked to the promotion of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) protocol and updated Chinese asthma guidelines.
• Increased use of inhaled corticosteroids and decreased use of systemic corticosteroids were observed during the same period.

Conclusions:

• While treatment protocols have advanced, significant challenges persist in childhood asthma care in China.
• Barriers include parental lack of knowledge and fear of corticosteroids, insufficient physician education for diagnosing young children, and inadequate patient training.
• Effective implementation of updated national guidelines for childhood asthma remains a critical challenge.