Wheezing is a common problem among preschool children (Bhatt, 2013), and its prevalence is rising in the UK (Kuehni et al, 2001). This has an inevitable impact on healthcare costs. Indeed, it is estimated that caring for this patient group costs around £53 million (Brand et al, 2008). This article informs general practice nurses (GPNs) about the condition which can vary greatly in frequency and acuity, so that appropriate supportive management and follow-up can be offered when a child presents with this condition to the surgery. The patient story sets the scene of a typical wheezing preschool child, and raises the questions about whether to treat or not to treat; the concerns parents have about treatment, acute episodes and the overall management of preschool children with wheeze.
Asthma is a common long-term condition affecting adults and children. Despite a number of evidence-based guidelines for treatment and new medications and inhaler devices, mortality rates remain static. Key findings from the National Review of Asthma Deaths (Royal College of Physicians [RCP], 2014) highlighted the importance of personalised asthma action plans (PAAPs) in good asthma care. This article looks at how healthcare professionals need to work with adults and children with asthma, involving them throughout the process, to produce a meaningful, useful plan that has been developed with the person, and parents or carers. The plan should be used as an educational tool to help understand how, when and why asthma medication should be used, what is meant by asthma control, and recognition of when control is slipping.
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