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Challenges in the Management of Childhood Asthma in the Developing World

Journal

INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
Volume 89, Issue 2, Pages 169-173

Publisher

SPRINGER INDIA
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03941-z

Keywords

Childhood asthma; Burden; Stigma; Economic factors; Developing world

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Childhood asthma poses a significant burden on both children and parents, requiring a strong partnership between parents and physicians. Environmental and economic factors, as well as lack of education, hinder efficient care of children with asthma. Misconceptions regarding side effects of medications and overreliance on alternative medicines are common issues.
Childhood asthma poses significant health and psychological burden on children and parents alike. Care of children with asthma requires a firm partnership and understanding between parents and physicians with regular medications and outpatient visits. Though asthma is less common in the developing world, it is more commonly associated here with severe symptoms. Environmental and economic factors, and lack of education adversely affect efficient care of children with asthma. Poor education and understanding of disease, inadequate trained pediatricians, and lack of resources for pulmonary function testing in children hamper early diagnosis of asthma in children. Hence, children frequently receive symptomatic management for acute episodes instead of long-term preventive therapy. Misconceptions regarding side effects and possible dependence on inhaled medications are frequently seen in the caretakers. This leads to abundant use of alternative medicines. Increasing ambient air pollution due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth in developing countries also adversely affects the pulmonary health of children with asthma. Community-wide campaigns are needed to improve the awareness of parents about childhood asthma and safety of inhaled medications. States should make efforts to improve infrastructure needs of children with asthma.

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