Childhood Asthma Management

By VeriScorePrep Team · 5 min

Asthma is chronic airway inflammation with reversible obstruction. Pediatric management balances daily control with rescue for exacerbations.

Classification and stepwise therapy

• Mild intermittent: symptoms ≤2 days/week. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed.
• Mild persistent: daily controller (low-dose inhaled corticosteroid) plus SABA.
• Moderate/severe: step up to medium-dose ICS, add long-acting agents, consider biologics for severe cases.

Triggers

Viral respiratory infections (the most common in young children), allergens (dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen), exercise, cold air, smoke, and air pollution. Identify and reduce triggers in the home.

The action plan

Every child with persistent asthma should have a written asthma action plan with green, yellow, and red zones:

• Green: take controller daily, SABA before exercise if needed.
• Yellow: symptoms increasing; increase SABA, consider oral corticosteroid, contact provider.
• Red: rescue medication now, seek emergency care.

Inhaler technique

Use a spacer for all children and a mask for the very young. Teach the rinse-and-spit technique after inhaled corticosteroids to prevent thrush.