The child with asthma for anaesthesia

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common coexisting diseases in children, and a major cause of mortality and morbidity in children. Morbidity is measured by school absences, emergency department visits and hospitalisations. Asthma continues to take the lives of children at an alarming rate and there is evidence that its mortality has increased over the last 20 years. Asthma severity has increased with urbanisation and exposure to cigarette smoke. Proper diagnosis, education, and appropriate management are essential to decrease morbidity and mortality.