Patient-Centered Care for Childhood Asthma

Asthma, the most common chronic disease in children, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the respiratory system. If left uncontrolled, persistent asthma can have serious negative clinical outcomes. Thus, the earliest possible diagnosis based on the recognition of specific clinical indicators, treatment with anti-inflammatory controller medications such as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), and patient-centered strategies for monitoring disease and improving patient adherence are essential to successful asthma care. Recent clinical studies support the efficacy of ICSs over LTRAs as daily treatment for pediatric asthma. Routine follow-up and patient education can facilitate adherence to daily controller therapy and successful asthma control in children.