Chapter 2 Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Severity Classification of Childhood Asthma

Abstract

Japanese Pediatric Guidelines for The Treatment and Management of Asthma 2023 have been published. Chapter 2 describes 'definitions, pathophysiology, diagnosis and severity classification'. In recent years, the widespread use of JPGL and advances in treatment have led to uniform treatment across the country, a reduction in asthma mortality and a decrease in severe cases. However, some cases are classified as moderate persistent or severe persistent, and some cases have been classified as adults and beyond, and the use of biologics is now possible even in the treatment of children. The basic pathology of asthma is chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, but in recent years, attention has been focused not only on the atopic form, which is common in children, but also on the non-atopic form due to innate immunity. In many cases, it is difficult to diagnose asthma in children due to the unique pathology of infancy. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of asthma may enable differential diagnosis, appropriate selection of treatment steps and selective use of biologics according to the condition.