From the Guidelines
Age less than or equal to 17 years is not explicitly listed as a risk factor for asthma-related death in the provided evidence. The risk factors for asthma-related death mentioned in the evidence include previous severe exacerbation, multiple hospitalizations or emergency department visits, use of multiple canisters of short-acting beta-agonists per month, difficulty perceiving airway obstruction, low socioeconomic status, illicit drug use, major psychosocial problems, and comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease or other chronic lung disease 1. However, it is essential to consider that children and adolescents with asthma may face unique challenges, such as less developed self-management skills, difficulty recognizing worsening symptoms, and inconsistent medication adherence, which can increase their risk of fatal asthma attacks. For optimal management, children and adolescents with asthma should have a written asthma action plan, appropriate controller medications, regular follow-up with healthcare providers, and education for both the patient and caregivers about proper inhaler technique and early recognition of worsening symptoms 1.
Key Considerations
- The provided evidence does not explicitly list age less than or equal to 17 years as a risk factor for asthma-related death.
- Children and adolescents with asthma may face unique challenges that can increase their risk of fatal asthma attacks.
- Optimal management of asthma in children and adolescents includes a written asthma action plan, appropriate controller medications, regular follow-up with healthcare providers, and education for both the patient and caregivers.
Management Recommendations
- Develop a written asthma action plan for children and adolescents with asthma.
- Prescribe appropriate controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, at appropriate doses.
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor asthma control and adjust treatment as needed.
- Educate patients and caregivers about proper inhaler technique and early recognition of worsening symptoms.
- Inform schools about the child's condition and ensure access to rescue medications.
From the Research
Asthma-Related Death and Age
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that age less than or equal to 17 years is a risk factor for asthma-related death 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment and management of asthma, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists, and their effects on asthma exacerbations and symptom control.
- Study 3 mentions patients aged 5 years or older with persistent asthma, but does not specifically address the risk of asthma-related death in relation to age.
- Study 4 compares the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of different asthma treatments in children and adults, but does not provide information on asthma-related death and age.
- Studies 5 and 6 discuss the scientific rationale for inhaled combination therapy with long-acting beta2-agonists and corticosteroids, and the risk of asthma exacerbations, but do not address the specific question of age as a risk factor for asthma-related death.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- The provided studies do not directly investigate the relationship between age and asthma-related death.
- Further research is needed to determine if age less than or equal to 17 years is a risk factor for asthma-related death.