BMJ  2007;335:253-257 (4 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.39255.692222.AE

Clinical Review

Management of asthma in children

Paediatric Respiratory Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Summary points Inhaled corticosteroids, although safe if given at the recommended dose, can have important adverse effects if given above it, including adrenal suppression Long acting 2 antagonists can be used as add-on treatment to avoid further increases in the dose of inhaled corticosteroid but can be associated with increased risk of exacerbations and hospital admission Long acting 2 antagonists should therefore be continued only if a demonstrable response to treatment occurs Inhaled corticosteroids do not prevent the development of asthma Low dose inhaled corticosteroid should not be used as preventive treatment for episodic viral wheeze Referral to a specialist centre should be considered when a child reaches step 4 of the British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline or earlier, depending on the expertise of the general practitioner and the resources available

This review on childhood asthma focuses on acute and chronic management in relation to the asthma phenotypes reviewed in our previous . . . [Full text of this article]

Searches and selection criteria

What is the acute management of asthma and episodic viral wheeze?

What is the long term management of atopic asthma?

Inhaled corticosteroids—friend or foe?
Long acting agonists in asthma
Can inhaled corticosteroids help to prevent asthma developing?
How can drug delivery be optimised, both at home and school?

Do effective treatments for long term management of episodic viral wheeze exist?

When is referral to tertiary services warranted?

What are the therapeutic options in severe asthma?

Tips for general practitioners
Additional educational resources
Information resources for patients

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