Table. Reviewing and adjusting preventer treatment for children aged 1–5 years
| Treatment trialled | Management options at a review after a treatment trial of 4-6 weeks | |
|---|---|---|
| Good treatment response | No or partial treatment response | |
|
Inhaled corticosteroid
|
Continue regular treatment at low dose If symptoms remain well controlled ≥6 months, consider stopping treatment and reviewing in within 12 weeks§
|
Review the diagnosis, adherence and inhaler technique Consider referral to a specialist (e.g. paediatric respiratory physician or paediatrician, if available) for assessment Consider adding montelukast (in combination with inhaled corticosteroid)‡ |
|
Montelukast (children 2 years and over) |
Continue montelukast treatment | Stop montelukast and start treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid, starting with a low dose |
- Advise parents/carers about potential adverse behavioural and/or neuropsychiatric effects of montelukast
Treatment response: symptoms well controlled and no treatment-related adverse effects
No or partial treatment response: symptom control not achieved with initial treatment after verifying treatment was taken as intended
§ Timing of review depends on individual child’s trigger factors
‡ PBS status as at March 2019: Montelukast is not subsidised by the PBS for children aged 2–5 years with moderate-to-severe asthma, or when used in combination with another preventer.
Last reviewed version 2.0