Special Edition May 2009 - Contents Other issues
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NEW ZEALAND HAS ONE OF THE highest rates of childhood asthma in the world4 with 25% of children aged 6–7 years and 30% of adolescents 13–14 years reporting asthma symptoms.5 The prevalence has fallen in the last decade6, but significant challenges remain. Among these are diagnosis, adherence and ethnic disparities in treatment.
Optimal management of childhood asthma includes:
  • Diagnosis
  • Awareness of common personal triggers
  • Pharmacological treatment appropriate to the severity of the disease
  • Continual review and adjustment of therapy
  • Good adherence to prescribed medicines
  • Availability of information and education strategies
  • Use of asthma management action plans for the child and caregivers
  • Knowledge of best practice and effective interventions by all health professionals involved in management
Inequalities in asthma prevalence, morbidity and mortality Select

Māori and Pacific children with asthma suffer more severe symptoms than other children, are hospitalised more frequently and have more days off school as a result of their asthma.

 Acne
Selected topics in asthma Select

Intermittent or persistent asthma? Which inhaled corticosteroid? The role of long acting beta-2 agonists (LABA). Role of nebulisers in childhood asthma. What is the place of mast cell stabilisers, sodium cromoglycate and nedocromil? Paracetamol and the link with asthma.

Sexual health
Guide to asthma management in children Select

To compliment the childhood asthma decision support tool. This guide is based on the New Zealand childhood asthma guidelines and other international sources.

STIs
Asthma education for children and their families Select

Asthma education of the child and the family should lead to an understanding of good control of asthma and the role of medications in achieving this, including how to use inhaler devices and what to do in case of an exacerbation.

Includes: Asthma Education Desktop Prompt

 Insulin