Asthma in Infants and Children

This chapter discusses the background, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for asthma in infants and children. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is characterized by variable symptoms of airflow obstruction and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The hallmark symptoms of cough and wheeze fluctuate but can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs such as inhaled corticosteroids. Multiple trigger factors exist and range from irritants and specific allergens to exercise or viral infections. Treatment of asthma is based on assessment of disease severity and on routine and periodic assessment of asthma control. Whether childhood asthma is ever completely outgrown remains controversial but remission of symptoms occurs often although the potential for airway hyper-reactivity may persist. If asthma persists into adulthood and is treated appropriately, asthma does not typically affect life expectancy in the absence of other pulmonary comorbidities.