Childhood asthma. Older children and adolescents

Asthma is a very significant health problem in children and adolescents, and it is disturbing that this problem is increasing despite recent advances related to asthma pathogenesis and treatment. In this age group, treatment of asthma may be especially challenging because of the need to deal with schools as well as the patient and family, and because of concern for the effects of asthma and asthma therapy on physical and psychological development. Successful asthma therapy in children and adolescents requires close attention to these issues, as well as efforts designed to transfer the responsibility of asthma care from the parent to the adolescent in an age-appropriate fashion.