Pediatric asthma for the primary care practitioner

Asthma is a complex disease, involving many different allergic, inflammatory, and environmental components. It is a disease for which patient and family education and a team-based approach are paramount for successful management. Guidelines have been put forth by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which provide a helpful framework in which to begin to manage patients and to navigate the many medication choices available. It is only through diligent attention to control of asthma symptoms that improved quality of life and prevention of long-term sequelae are possible for the pediatric patient with asthma.