Outcomes in pediatric asthma.

Pediatric asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions seen in children throughout the world. Even with our better understanding of the pathology of pediatric asthma and improved pharmaceutical management for this disorder, we are still far from reaching the goals of optimal asthma outcomes as outlined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. What we mean by outcomes is the change in the patient's current and future health due to the care given. The outcomes in pediatric asthma can be divided into three categories: clinical, humanistic, and economic. This article provides information regarding the different components of outcomes in pediatric asthma and how one can use outcomes to improve asthma control for the child.