Prophylactic treatment of childhood asthma.

The prophylaxis of childhood asthma is discussed under the headings of prevention by the pregnant mother in avoiding hypersensitizing foods and the adherence to breast feeding, immunotherapy of the child and chemoprophylaxis by sodium cromoglycate or ketotifen fumarate. The results of a multicentre study of the latter drug are described. Ketotifen caused a reduction of symptoms and acute asthmatic episodes, and has the advantage of a twice daily oral dosage.