Authors: Žofia Varényiová; Václav Koucký Authors‘ workplace: Praha ; 2. lékařská fakulta ; Univerzita Karlova, a Fakultní nemocnice Motol ; Pediatrická klinika Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2025; 80 (6): 273-277. Category: Chapters for Specialization in Pediatrics doi: https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2025/056
Bronchial asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in childhood. Its prevalence ranges between 9–11%. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and variable bronchial obstruction. In children, the clinical presentation varies depending on age. Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of medical history and clinical symptoms, as well as laboratory tests and, depending on age, available pulmonary function tests. Management is individual, age-specific, and includes anti-inflammatory and relief treatment, with the main goal being to achieve full disease control with minimal side effects. A fully controlled disease should not limit the patient‘s everyday activities. This text summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of bronchial asthma in childhood, with an emphasis on the specifics of different age groups.
bronchial asthma – bronchial hyperresponsiveness – allergic asthma – bronchial obstruction
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