Problematic Pediatric Asthma: Updates in Treatment

Every Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:00 AM

Nationally, 1 in 11 children have asthma, but in Chicago we see that prevalence closer to 14%. That rate is much higher in communities of color and in low-income communities—where many of our participating providers work— making this a pressing public health issue and barometer for inequality. Fortunately, even complex pediatric asthma can be managed with evidence-based asthma care guidelines that reduce morbidity and mortality. Our Complex Pediatric Asthma series curriculum is designed to expand primary care capacity in diagnosing and managing complex asthma for Chicago’s most vulnerable children and to increase best practices for pediatric asthma management in the community. We will discuss diagnosis, treatment, symptom control, and related comorbidities of the most complex cases of pediatric asthma. We welcome all community-based Pediatric and Family Medicine healthcare providers to join this series and learn how to manage complex pediatric asthma cases and improve the health outcomes of all of your patients.

Topics for Case-Based Learning and Discussion Include:

• Asthma Epidemiology and Definition
• Asthma Pathogenesis
• Diagnosing Asthma
• Principles of Treatment and Medications
• Updates in Guidelines for Asthma Care
• Spirometry in Pediatric Asthma
• Asthma Management and Asthma Action Plan (SMART)
• Control of Symptoms and Telemedicine
• Comprehensive Treatment
• Education for Patients and Families (spacer education)
• Comorbiditis – Conditions that Co-exist with and/or Mimic Asthma
• Community Partner Education (i.e. Schools) & Asthma Nurse Manager Overview
• Review of EXHALE