Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Northern Foundation School, Health Education England North East, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
BMJ Paediatr Open. 2022 Apr;6(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001277.
Asthma is the the most common chronic respiratory condition of childhood worldwide, with around 14% of children and young people affected. Despite the high prevalence, paediatric asthma outcomes are inadequate, and there are several avoidable deaths each year. Characteristic asthma features include wheeze, shortness of breath and cough, which are typically triggered by a number of possible stimuli. There are several diagnostic challenges, and as a result, both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of paediatric asthma remain problematic.Effective asthma management involves a holistic approach addressing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, as well as education and self-management aspects. Working in partnership with children and families is key in promoting good outcomes. Education on how to take treatment effectively, trigger avoidance, modifiable risk factors and actions to take during acute attacks via personalised asthma action plans is essential.This review aimed to provide an overview of good clinical practice in the diagnosis and management of paediatric asthma. We discuss the current diagnostic challenges and predictors of life-threatening attacks. Additionally, we outline the similarities and differences in global paediatric asthma guidelines and highlight potential future developments in care. It is hoped that this review will be useful for healthcare providers working in a range of child health settings.
哮喘是全球范围内最常见的儿童慢性呼吸道疾病，约有 14%的儿童和年轻人受到影响。尽管患病率很高，但儿科哮喘的治疗效果并不理想，每年仍有几例可避免的死亡。典型的哮喘特征包括喘息、呼吸急促和咳嗽，这些通常是由多种可能的刺激物引发的。哮喘的诊断存在一些挑战，因此，儿科哮喘的过度诊断和漏诊仍然是一个问题。有效的哮喘管理需要采取整体方法，包括药物和非药物管理，以及教育和自我管理方面。与儿童及其家庭合作是促进良好结果的关键。通过个性化的哮喘行动计划，提供有关如何有效治疗、避免触发因素、可改变的风险因素以及在急性发作时采取的措施的教育至关重要。本综述旨在概述儿科哮喘的诊断和管理方面的良好临床实践。我们讨论了目前的诊断挑战和危及生命的发作的预测因素。此外，我们还概述了全球儿科哮喘指南的相似点和不同点，并强调了护理方面的潜在未来发展。希望本综述对在各种儿童健康环境中工作的医疗保健提供者有用。
