Clinical Practice and
Referral Guidelines

Asthma Management

The objective of this guideline is to assist the pediatrician in the evaluation and treatment of asthma and to outline criteria for referral to a pediatric pulmonologist.    

This guideline includes the following:

1. Recommendations when assessing history, to include onset, current symptoms and triggers, frequency of exacerbations, current medications, previous urgent or emergency care, hospitalizations, impact on quality of life, accompanying conditions, social history, family history of atopy and other relevant information;
2. Recommendations when completing the physical exam, and laboratory evaluation;
3. Making a diagnosis;
4. Treatment;
5. Follow up and indications for a referral to a pediatric pulmonologist.

Referral recommendations to a pediatric pulmonologist include consultation or co-management of the infant, child or young adult.   

If you would like more information on the Clinical Practice and Referral Guideline for Asthma Management, please contact quality@kidshealthfirst.com.

KHF developed this guideline based on information detailed by the NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/) guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, Full Report 2007, and in collaboration with a pediatric pulmonologist from Georgia Pediatric Subspecialists. The recommendations in the guideline do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment. The intent is to build a consensus of care in the pediatric community and provide a framework for clinical decision-making. Last revised 2/2010