The management of asthma in children

ABSTRACT

The management of asthma in children, though similar to that of adults, has important differences. Practitioners caring for young children need to be aware of these differences. An area of difficulty for clinicians is that of diagnosis, especially in infants and toddlers. This problem stems from a fear of "labeling". Parents and practitioners fear that a label of asthma may have an adverse effect on the child. Evidence does suggest, however, that a correct diagnosis benefits all concerned, and proper management, even in mild asthmatics, can result in restful sleep, better school performance, and improved activity. The key to efffective asthma management is the education of patients and their parents about the disease. Emphasis has to be placed on providing trained personnel in clinics to provide not only information on asthma, but also to teach the use of inhalers, spacers, peak-flow meter, symptoms diary, and the self-management action plan (AU)