Treatment of childhood asthma in Malaysia

Paediatric Asthma Workshop
TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA IN MALAYSIA

Noor Ain Noor Affendi
Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in childhood worldwide. Effective asthma management involves a holistic approach addressing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management as well as education and self-management aspects. The long-term goals of asthma management are symptom control and risk reduction. The aim is to reduce the burden on the patient, to reduce the risk of asthma-related death, exacerbations, airway damage and medication side effects. The management of asthma should be personalized to each patient, thus, working in partnership with children and families is key to promoting good outcomes. The patient’s own goals and preferences regarding their asthma and its treatment should also be identified.

Non-pharmacological management includes education on how to take treatment effectively, trigger avoidance and modifiable risk factors. A personalized asthma action plan is essential for each patient.

Pharmacological treatment consists of reliever and controller therapy components. The most used asthma medications are beta-2 adrenergic agonists, corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers. Biologics therapy is used for patients with uncontrolled severe asthma despite optimized maximal therapy.