<scp>J</scp>apanese pediatric guideline for the treatment and management of bronchial asthma 2012

Abstract

Abstract A new version of the J apanese pediatric guideline for the treatment and management of bronchial asthma was published in J apanese at the end of 2011. The guideline sets the pragmatic goal for clinicians treating childhood asthma as maintaining a “well‐controlled level” for an extended period in which the child patient can lead a trouble‐free daily life, not forgetting the ultimate goal of obtaining remission and/or cure. Important factors in the attainment of the pragmatic goal are: (i) appropriate use of anti‐inflammatory drugs; (ii) elimination of environmental risk factors; and (iii) educational and enlightening activities for the patient and caregivers regarding adequate asthma management in daily life. The well‐controlled level refers to a symptom‐free state in which no transient coughs, wheezing, dyspnea or other symptoms associated with bronchial asthma are present, even for a short period of time. As was the case in the previous versions of the guideline, asthmatic children younger than 2 years of age are defined as infantile asthma patients. Special attention is paid to these patients in the new guideline: they often have rapid exacerbation and easily present chronic asthmatic conditions after the disease is established.