An approach to paediatric asthma : the role of the community pharmacist

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common childhood illnesses with which patients will present to general practitioners. Despite this, the associated mortality and morbidity remain high, particularly in South Africa. This is largely due to the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that are associated with asthma in childhood. This results in under-diagnosis of asthma and poor control of known patients who are on treatment. Creating awareness among patients and health practitioners, as well as including the allied healthcare providers in the management of childhood asthma, can help improve the diagnosis and care of patients with asthma. Specifically, community pharmacists can play a major role in improving the outcomes of patients with asthma.