management of acute episodes in young children in the community
Last reviewed 01/2018
The assessment of acute asthma in children under five can be difficult
- viral infection are usually responsible for intermittent wheezing attacks
- furthermore response to asthma medication may be inconsistent
Differential diagnosis of symptoms includes:
- aspiration pneumonitis
- pneumonia
- bronchiolitis
- tracheomalacia
- complications of underlying conditions such as congenital anomalies and cystic fibrosis
The first decision point in the management is whether the child is <2 years, 2-5 years old or > 5 years.
- management of acute asthma in children under 1 year should be under the direction of a respiratory paediatrician
Reference:
management of acute severe asthma in children 1 year and over