Corticosteroids and Asthma: Too Much or Too Little?

In this issue of Pediatrics, Farber et al1 present the results of an analysis of claims data for children with asthma who were enrolled in a large managed care Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program from 2011 to 2016. During each of the years analyzed, 42.1% to 44.2% of the children had >=1 event in which an oral corticosteroid (OCS) for asthma was dispensed. This frequency of OCS-dispensing events is higher than frequencies reported in other areas of the United States (44% vs 23%).2 The authors also note that “most children with an OCS dispensing [event]…did not have other utilization suggesting poor asthma control,” and as a result, this frequency seems inappropriately high. It can be hazardous to make clinical judgments based on administrative claims data. Nevertheless, this frequency of OCS use is notable and worth further consideration.....

Read more here: pediatrics.aappublications.org

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Asthma Action Plans Work

Although asthma guidelines recommend supported asthma action plans (AAPs), which provide the groundwork for patients to self-manage their condition, implementation is patchy.
Yet, helping people with asthma take control of their own illness reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, reduces ER and doctor visits, and could save their lives, research has shown.....

Read more here: pharmacypracticenews.com

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Smoky skies across Melbourne prompt warning for asthma sufferers

ASTHMA sufferers have been warned to be on alert this week due to the smoky conditions caused by burn-offs across Victoria.
Up to 100 burns were planned for parks and forests by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to reduce the bushfire risk next summer.
The burn-offs have led to a build-up of smoke overnight due to light winds, which has caused a smoke haze in the early mornings.....

Read more here: heraldsun.com.au