Intermittent and mild persistent asthma: how therapy has changed

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mild asthma is more prevalent than severe asthma in children, contributing significantly to emergency visits.
• Current management strategies for intermittent and mild persistent asthma are under review.
• Over-reliance on short-acting beta 2 agonists as a sole rescue medication poses risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving management strategies for intermittent and mild persistent asthma in children.
• To highlight the importance of understanding drug-device characteristics for optimal inhaler therapy.
• To emphasize the role of adherence and digital health in pediatric asthma care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies and international guidelines (e.g., GINA).
• Analysis of the role of inflammation in mild asthma phenotypes.
• Discussion of inhaled corticosteroid use and short-acting beta 2 agonist overuse.

Main Results:

• Emerging evidence supports the role of inflammation in mild asthma, necessitating updated treatment approaches.
• International guidelines are beginning to recommend combining corticosteroids with reliever inhalers.
• Optimizing drug delivery and patient adherence are crucial for effective asthma control.

Conclusions:

• The management of mild asthma is transitioning towards incorporating inhaled corticosteroids, even for intermittent use.
• Proper understanding of inhaler devices and patient compliance, enhanced by digital tools, are key to improving treatment efficacy.
• Addressing inflammation and reducing reliever overuse are critical for better asthma outcomes in children.