2022 Year in Review: Pediatric Asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Asthma is the most prevalent chronic childhood illness, characterized by variable airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness.
• Poorly controlled pediatric asthma incurs significant economic costs due to emergency visits and hospitalizations.
• Extensive research on pediatric asthma diagnosis, treatment, and management continues, with thousands of papers published annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize 8 pivotal topics in pediatric asthma management.
• To address shifts in clinical practice and lessons learned from the recent pandemic.
• To provide insights with potential future applications in asthma care.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of recent literature and expert discussions.
• Identification of 8 key areas influencing pediatric asthma clinical practice.
• Focus on topics with demonstrated shifts or pandemic-related implications.

Main Results:

• Key topics include evolving diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
• The pandemic has influenced remote monitoring and telehealth in asthma management.
• Expert consensus highlights the need for personalized approaches to pediatric asthma control.

Conclusions:

• Clinical practice for pediatric asthma is adapting to new evidence and experiences.
• Pandemic-derived strategies may offer lasting benefits for asthma management.
• Continued expert dialogue is crucial for optimizing the care of children with asthma.