World Asthma Day spotlights advances in childhood asthma care

Childhood asthma persists as a significant health concern in Malaysia, affecting approximately one in ten individuals, with a pronounced impact on children aged 6-14 residing in urban areas. As the world marks World Asthma Day on May 7, 2024, attention is drawn to the strides made in paediatric asthma care, emphasizing personalised treatment plans, advanced medications, and collaborative management strategies that promise to enhance the quality of life for young asthma sufferers.

Dr Angelina Amaladoss, a Consultant Paediatrician at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), underscores the importance of distinguishing between asthma and the common cold due to their overlapping symptoms but differing implications. “Identifying asthma triggers is just as critical as starting the appropriate treatment,” explains Dr Angelina. “Asthma requires a comprehensive approach for effective management, unlike the nature of a cold.”

Targeting Symptoms, Minimising Side Effects

The shift towards personalised asthma care tailors treatments to a child’s specific symptoms and triggers, aiming to minimise side effects and target the lungs directly. Dr Angelina stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in asthma treatment. “Treatments are targeted specifically for the lungs, as opposed to older treatments that were taken orally and caused more side effects throughout the body. It is important to treat accompanying issues like allergic rhinitis as well.”

For severe cases, new medications and minimally invasive techniques are introduced. Inhalers remain the mainstay, but for challenging cases, treatments like monoclonal antibodies (e.g., omalizumab or mepolizumab) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) are utilized to manage symptoms more effectively.

Creating a supportive environment

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for managing asthma symptoms effectively. Dr Angelina emphasizes the importance of environmental control and lifestyle adjustments, advocating for minimizing exposure to common irritants like cigarette smoke, vape, incense, pet fur, plush toys, and carpets.

Personalised asthma management plans not only improve immediate symptoms but enhance the child’s long-term quality of life. “Well-controlled asthma allows children to thrive in academic and sporting events, reduces clinic visits, and enhances overall productivity,” shares Dr Angelina.

The economic burden of asthma cannot be overlooked. Parents often have to take time off work, leading to a loss of productivity. Moreover, understanding the chronic nature of asthma is crucial for ensuring ongoing compliance with treatment plans. Dr Angelina stresses the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments, even when symptoms are not present, to prevent relapses and ensure long-term management.

Breathing New Life

Reflecting on a poignant case, Dr. Angelina recalls an 8-year-old boy grappling with a persistent cough, particularly severe at night and early in the morning, coupled with nasal obstruction over a six-month period. His condition resulted in numerous missed school days, a decline in academic performance, and the cessation of outdoor sports activities due to persistent coughing and wheezing. Following a comprehensive assessment, the boy was diagnosed with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. The treatment regimen included inhaled long-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids, alongside a nasal corticosteroid spray. Remarkably, within just two weeks, his symptoms were well-controlled, enabling him to resume his regular activities and savor daily life once more.

The journey of managing childhood asthma remains complex, yet there exists a beacon of hope, courtesy of advancements in personalised medicine. These innovations pave the way for children with asthma to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives, underscoring the relentless pursuit of improved outcomes and enhanced well-being.