Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Paediatric asthma deaths in Ireland: 2006-2016
Sarah C Richardson1, Aisling M O'Riordan2, Barry Linnane3,4
1Respiratory Department, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. sarah.richardson@cuh.ie.
Insights
Childhood asthma deaths are rare in Ireland, with most fatal cases presenting suddenly. Improved education on recognizing severe asthma symptoms and using personalized asthma action plans is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health Research
- Mortality Auditing
Background:
- Asthma is the most prevalent chronic illness in childhood.
- Childhood asthma mortality is infrequent but significant.
- No prior national review of pediatric asthma deaths in Ireland existed.
Observation:
- A 10-year retrospective review of pediatric asthma mortality was conducted in Ireland.
- Data was sourced from the National Paediatric Mortality Register (NPMR).
- Eleven cases of asthma-related childhood mortality were identified.
Findings:
- The median age of death was 11.8 years.
- All fatal cases presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in asystole.
- Fifty percent experienced acute symptoms before the fatal event.
- None of the deceased children were under secondary care.
- Only 60% possessed a written personalized asthma action plan (PAAP).
Implications:
- Most pediatric asthma deaths occur unexpectedly with minimal warning signs.
- Enhanced public and patient education on recognizing severe asthma exacerbations is vital.
- Widespread adoption and adherence to personalized asthma action plans (PAAP) are necessary to reduce mortality.
Background:
Asthma is the commonest chronic condition in childhood but mortality from asthma during childhood is a rare occurrence. No national review into asthma deaths in children in Ireland has been performed to date.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to review all cases of mortality from asthma in the paediatric population over a 10-year period in Ireland. The objective was to identify risk factors contributing to asthma deaths in children.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed on cases reported to the National Paediatric Mortality Register (NPMR) with asthma as the primary cause of death.
Results:
Eleven cases were reported. Consent was obtained for six cases. Median age at death was 11.8 years. All patients presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in asystole. Fifty percent of patients had acute symptoms prior to the fatal episode. None of the patients was attending secondary services. Only 60% had a written personalised asthma action plan (PAAP).
Conclusion:
Our data suggests that most patients present in extremis and have little warning signs of severity of the attack. Better education on recognition of symptoms and initiation of action plans is required.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:23Inhaled Medications