Samenvatting van de standaard 'Astma bij kinderen' (tweede herziening) van het Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap

A number of important changes have been made in the second revision of the guideline ‘Asthma in children’ from the Dutch College of General Practitioners.

- In children under the age of 6 years, the symptoms stuffiness and recurrent cough are no longer considered part of the symptomatic diagnosis of asthma. Wheezing has become the key symptom of asthma.

- In children aged 6 years or more, spirometry is the optimal method for both diagnosis and monitoring. This method is preferred over peak flow measurement.

- Inhalation allergies should be investigated in children under the age of 6 years because the presence of an inhalation allergy may influence the management approach.

- Starting asthma medication in children under the age of 6 years should always be considered a therapeutic trial, and its effect should always be evaluated.

- The prescription of allergen-resistant mattresses and bed coverings is only effective when it is one component of a set of allergen reduction measures.

- At this time, the Dutch Health Council recommends influenza vaccination in children with asthma.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2008;152:550-5