Acute severe childhood asthma
Journal Article
2012
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Authors
Journal Title
South African Family Practice
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Academy of Family Physicians
Publisher
University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of South African children, affecting 10-20% of the population. Correct treatment of chronic asthma with regular antiinflammatory controller therapy prevents symptoms, asthma exacerbations, hospitalisation and mortality. Modern treatment of asthma focuses on an assessment of asthma control in order to enable the child to lead a normal life by: • Growing and developing normally • Attending school regularly • Sleeping well at night • Participating in sport and activities • Staying out of hospital. With good controller treatment, less acute attacks of severe asthma will take place. However, to ensure fewer hospitalisations and less mortality, optimal treatment of acute attacks by families and health care professionals is critical.
Description
Reference:
Levin, M., & Weinberg, E. (2012). Acute severe childhood asthma. South African Family Practice, 54(1), 42-45.