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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2005 Mar;12(3):158-172
Pediatric asthma: current concepts
Volkman KK, Zacharisen MC
Program Audience: Primary care physicians. Educational Needs Addressed: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting approximately 9 million patients younger than 18 years. In 2002, the direct and indirect costs of asthma totaled $14 billion. Earlier and more aggressive treatment in younger patients with milder disease is now being undertaken. Primary care physicians must be able to recognize and diagnose asthma in children, which can be challenging in patients with atypical symptoms or in young children who are unable to properly perform spirometric tests. Similarly, physicians must be able to develop a treatment plan that incorporates key components of guideline-based asthma management, including avoidance of asthma triggers, severity-based pharmacotherapy, patient education and self-management, and periodic medical follow-up. Educational Objectives: 1. Outline a diagnostic approach to a child with symptoms suggestive of asthma 2. Formulate a differential diagnosis for cough and wheeze in a child based on respiratory tract location 3. Identify advantages and disadvantages of current diagnostic approaches used for asthma 4. Classify asthma severity based on symptoms and lung function 5. Formulate a treatment plan based on asthma severity
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