Childhood Bronchial Asthma: Contemporary Nursing Care and Rehabilitation in the Community Settings

Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, which causes recurrent episodes of dyspnoea, wheezing and cough. It is estimated that 10% of children suffer from asthma, and an asthmatic crisis may be a life-threatening event for the young patients. Aim: Literature review of the role of the nurse in the current management of childhood bronchial asthma in the community. Method: A literature search using the Medline, Cinahl and Cochrane databases was made for the period 1.11.2010 to 1.2.2011 using specific key words related to asthma management: Nurse, paediatric bronchial asthma, family, care, parents. Results: Most parents do not have adequate knowledge to enable them to recognize the onset of an asthmatic attack and its trigger factor, and they cannot assess the severity correctly. Many health professionals do not assess properly the severity of an asthmatic crisis, which is often underestimated. Τhe appropriate use of inhalants, nebulizers and other devices, in combination with the removal of environmental allergens, along with education of the family, are the cornerstones of care of the child with asthma. Barriers to effective care of childhood asthma include the persistence of environmental factors, socioeconomic and cultural factors, and fluctuations in the quality of care provided by health professionals. Conclusions: Bronchial asthma is a common and serious health problem of childhood. Community intervention, and in particular family education, constitute a critical focus for the prevention and management of childhood asthma.