Acute asthma exacerbations in children

Asthma exacerbations present with acute or sub-acute onset of wheeze and respiratory distress, the symptoms and signs of which vary depending on the developmental and maturational age of the child. Triggers include viral or bacterial infection, inhaled allergens, environmental irritants, emotion, medications, and poor adherence with preventive therapy. Paul D. Robinson, Respiratory and Sleep Physician, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Associate Professor, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, gives a clinical overview of acute asthma exacerbations in children. For more on acute asthma exacerbations in children, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1098 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.