Authors: Nelson, E. A. S.¹; Olukoya, A.²; Scherpbier, R. W.²

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 24, Number 2, June 2004 , pp. 117-131(15)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

The World Health Organization strategies, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness and Practical Approach to Lung health provide assessment and management guidelines for health workers in developing countries. We reviewed issues important to lung health in adolescents to highlight whether differences in factors such as adolescent behaviour have consequences for the development of case management guidelines, to form a bridge between guidelines for younger children and for adults and to make suggestions for further study. Pneumonia, asthma and tuberculosis are the leading lung health problems in adolescents. As countries industrialise, the importance of asthma mortality and morbidity increases as that of pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis decreases. Guidelines for managing pneumonia and asthma in children and adults in developing and developed countries should be adaptable for use in adolescents in developing countries, although more information is needed on predictors of severity such as respiratory rate cut-offs, level of fever, hypotension, malnutrition and level of consciousness. The effectiveness of low-cost treatment for asthma should be explored further. HIV and the global resurgence of tuberculosis pose significant challenges for improving adolescent lung health, and prevention of smoking initiation during adolescence is a priority goal of any integrated approach to improving lung health.

Keywords:

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/027249304225013394

Affiliations: 1: Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 2: Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

Publication date: 2004-06-01

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• In 2012 Annals of Tropical Paediatrics changed its name to Paediatrics and International Child Health to reflect changes and developments in the subject area. View the issues of Paediatrics and International Child Health available online.
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