Evidence-based nursing practices in children suffering from asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects millions of children worldwide. Despite improving nursing care, the prevalence of childhood asthma continues to rise. Asthma can have a negative impact on the quality of life. Children who have been diagnosed with asthma can experience physical, psychological, and social problems. Recurrent and uncontrolled asthma attacks in children can be a cause of breathlessness, activity limitation, school absenteeism, and less participation in school activities. These problems can cause the child to experience feelings such as fear of rejection, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and depression. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines support the implementation of nursing interventions to manage childhood asthma. These interventions support and guide children's efforts to manage their asthma. Therefore, the primary focus of nurses should be on the provision of preventive care rather than on the care of children with asthma exacerbation. Nurses and health professionals aim to ensure that children's asthma is controlled, with fewer symptoms, no problems sleeping, and no restrictions on exercise. Additionally, the maintenance of normal lung function and the prevention of side effects related to medical conditions should be among their main goals. Knowledge of evidence-based practices is essential for this purpose. This section discusses evidence-based practices for children with asthma, which are presented under four headings: (1) evaluating asthma, (2) education in asthma care, (3) controlling environmental factors and co-morbidities, and (4) pharmacological treatment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.