[The practice guideline 'Asthma in children' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners; a response from the perspective of general practice]

Abstract

The second revised guideline 'Asthma in children' from the Dutch College of General Practitioners adequately describes the present state of knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in children. Updates include the recommendation to investigate allergies in children aged less than 6 years, because this can contribute to a probable diagnosis of asthma. This specific recommendation, which has yet to appear in international guidelines, is based on an excellent clinical study performed in general practices in the Netherlands. It is important that the findings of this study are confirmed by at least one additional study. The revised guideline correctly asserts that fast-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids form the cornerstone of treatment for children with asthma, and that cromoglycate no longer has a role in this setting. However, the question remains whether the currently modest role assigned to leukotriene antagonists is justified based on the most recent literature.