Mild to Moderate Asthma in Children

Clinical Description

Long term management of asthma in children

• 1. Assess level of asthma Control
• 2. Asthma treatment strategy

Assessment of symptom control Level of Asthma Control

In past 4 weeks, has the patient had: Well Controlled Partly controlled Uncontrolled

• daytime symptoms more than twice a week

None of these 1 - 2 of these 3-4 of these

• Any night waking due to asthma
• SABA reliever needed more than twice a week?
• Any activity limitation due to asthma?

Guardian Education

• How and when to take inhalers (this will need to be observed)
• How to use a spacer
• When to seek help (e.g., breathlessness not controlled by inhalers, sudden increase in the need for 'relievers')
• Possible precipitating factors
• Follow up monthly

Note:

• Use for the shortest time possible before reverting to preferred Agent
• Exercise induced asthma is usually a sign of poor control. If possible, introduce an extra level of medication according to the stepwise approach above
• If asthma is brought on by exercise, older children and adults can take 2 puffs of Salbutamol inhaler via a spacer device 30-60 minutes before games or sports