[Bronchial asthma in childhood. Part 2: Prevention and step-wise plan for drug therapy]

On the basis of our knowledge of the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, prophylactic measures and systematic treatment are of decisive importance. In the first instance, prophylactic measures cover the elimination of allergens and avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke. Drug treatment of bronchial asthma should be initiated early on, be planned for the long-term, and comprise an individually matched combination of anti-inflammatory agents and drugs with an acute action. Here, inhalative steroids are of great importance in children, too. Drug therapy and physical measures should be applied systematically in a stepwise fashion tailored to the clinical severity of the symptoms. Additional instruction of the patients in respiratory techniques is also needed.