Abstract
Asthma is one of the leading chronic diseases in the pediatric population affecting 1 out of every 12 school-aged children. It has a significant contribution to the growing prevalence in prescribed medications. The symptoms of pediatric asthma are often variable. Pharmacotherapy is dominant modality in the treatment of asthma. Safe and effective treatment is still a challenge for all caregivers, including pharmacists. Taking into account the increasing global burden of asthma, pharmacists are ideally positioned to contribute in asthma management. The concept of pharmaceutical care implies achieving an optimal therapeutic outcome and improving patient’s quality of life through the promotion of rational drug use. The aim of this article is to give an overview of published data emphasizing to the need of implementation of pharmaceutical care services in the treatment of childhood asthma and the significant aspects of pediatric asthma medication therapy management in community pharmacy. Keywords: asthma, pediatric population, community pharmacist, pharmaceutical care
Highlights
Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease very common in childhood, which is characterized by respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough, with variable expiratory airflow obstruction
Pharmacoepidemiological studies strongly substantiate the concept of genetic predisposition in the development of asthma
Asthma prevalence is increased in populations that adopt Western lifestyle and become urbanized. 250000 people die from asthma each year, accounting for 1 in every 250 deaths worldwide
Summary
Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease very common in childhood, which is characterized by respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough, with variable expiratory airflow obstruction. Exacerbations impose a need for additional medication and, if severe enough, urgent medical attention All of this leads to increased social and health care costs and has a significant impact on patients and their families by affecting their quality of life. National strategies for managing asthma should: 1) raise awareness among patients, health professionals, and the public, that asthma is a serious chronic condition, 2) ensure the recognition of the signs and symptoms of asthma by patients, families, and the public, 3) to establish an appropriate diagnosis by health professionals, 4) ensure effective control of asthma by encouraging a partnership among patients, physicians, and other health professionals through modern treatment and education programs, and 5). The characteristics of good national strategy, as well as the barriers of its implementation, are summarized in Table 1 and 2
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