An update on the diagnosis and management of pediatric asthma. Based on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute expert panel report.

Asthma morbidity and mortality are increasing despite the availability of antiasthma medicines and a broader understanding of the pathology of the disease. In an attempt to enhance the understanding of asthma and to aid in appropriate asthma management, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute assembled an expert panel, which developed a report titled "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma." These guidelines are designed to facilitate patient and health-care-provider education, and diagnosis and management of asthma. Proper diagnosis of the disease is a frequent problem in children and adults. For proper diagnosis of asthma, a complete patient history, physical examination and specific laboratory tests are required. Health care providers who educate patients and their families about common symptom triggers, encourage avoidance techniques and who incorporate state-of-the-art treatment for acute and chronic asthma management may reduce the recent increases in asthma morbidity and mortality while maintaining normal growth and development of the child.