This presentation reviews the evaluation and management of asthma and recurrent wheezing in preschool-aged children. Content includes recognition of asthma symptoms, differential diagnosis, risk factors, asthma predictive tools, assessment of symptom control and severity, and current GINA and NAEPP treatment recommendations. The presentation also addresses inhaled corticosteroid use, acute asthma management in the urgent care setting, proper inhaler and spacer technique, and newer treatment approaches including AIR and SMART therapy.  

Learning Objectives:

• Identify clinical features that support a diagnosis of asthma in preschool-aged children and distinguish asthma from alternative causes of cough and wheezing.
• Assess asthma symptom control, severity, and risk for future exacerbations in young children.
• Apply current GINA and NAEPP recommendations to select appropriate pharmacologic therapy for preschool asthma, including daily and intermittent inhaled corticosteroid strategies.
• Describe evidence-based management of acute asthma and wheezing presentations in the urgent care setting.
• Demonstrate appropriate inhaler and spacer technique for young children and recognize age-inappropriate inhaler devices.
• Explain the role of AIR and SMART therapy in pediatric asthma management, including current age recommendations and limitations.