Continuing Medical Education

Summary of childhood asthma guidelines, 2021: A consensus document

A I Manjra, A van Niekerk, D A White, S Kling, H J Zar, R Masekela, M Levin, F E Kritzinger, R J Green; on behalf of the South African Childhood Asthma Working Group (SACAWG)

Abstract


Asthma is the most common chronic illness of childhood. The prevalence is rising and the mortality and morbidity from asthma are unacceptably high in South Africa. It is important to make a correct diagnosis based, most importantly, on the clinical history and supported by investigations. The appropriate drug and device must be chosen to achieve good asthma control. Patients must be followed up regularly and their asthma control must be assessed. The treatment can then be adjusted according to the level of control. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed new challenges on the care of our asthmatics. Asthma education and adherence are important components of management of the condition.


Authors' affiliations

A I Manjra, Life Westville Hospital, Durban, South Africa

A van Niekerk, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

D A White, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

S Kling, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

H J Zar, MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

R Masekela, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

M Levin, Division of Paediatric Allergology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

F E Kritzinger, Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

R J Green; on behalf of the South African Childhood Asthma Working Group (SACAWG), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Keywords

Childhood asthma

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2021;111(5):395-399. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i5.15703

Article History

Date submitted: 2021-04-30
Date published: 2021-04-30

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