Severe Asthma in Children and Adolescents: an AWMF Guideline by the German Society for Pediatric Pulmonology

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Eckard Hamelmann - , Medical Center Bethel, University Hospital Bielefeld (Author)
  • Christina Schorlemer - , Medical Center Bethel (Author)
  • Ernst Eber - , Medical University of Graz (Author)
  • Michael Gerstlauer - , University Hospital Augsburg (Author)
  • Andreas Jung - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Michael Kabesch - , University Hospital Regensburg (Author)
  • Matthias Volkmar Kopp - , University of Bern (Author)
  • Susanne Lau - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Christiane Lex - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Alex Möller - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Bianca Schaub - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • Nicolaus Schwerk - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • Thomas Spindler - , Medical Care Center (MVZ) Friedrichshafen (Author)
  • Christian Taube - , University Hospital Essen (Author)
  • Christian Vogelberg - , Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Angela Zacharasiewicz - , Clinic Ottakring Wilhelminen Hospital (Author)
  • Stefan Zielen - , Medaimun GmbH (Author)
  • Antje Schuster - , University Hospital Duesseldorf (Author)
  • Monika Gappa - , Evangelical Hospital Düsseldorf (Author)

Abstract

Background Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in children and adolescents. While most patients achieve good control with guideline-based treatment, a significant proportion experience persistent symptoms, frequent exacerbations, and impaired quality of life. Objectives This guideline aims to define severe and difficult-to-treat asthma in children and adolescents, support diagnostic precision, and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management, including biological therapies. Materials and methods The S1 guideline was developed under the coordination of the German Society for Pediatric Pulmonology following AWMF procedures. A structured consensus process involving experts from pediatric pulmonology, allergology, and general pediatrics was conducted. Existing national and international guidelines and new evidence were systematically reviewed and adapted. Results Key elements include a stepwise diagnostic algorithm to distinguish difficult-to-treat from truly severe asthma, guidance on assessing adherence, comorbidities, and inflammation biomarkers, and recommendations for targeted biological treatment. This guideline addresses monitoring tools, transition to adult care, and the role of rehabilitation. Conclusions Children and adolescents with severe asthma require early referral to specialized centers and a structured, interdisciplinary approach. Personalized treatment strategies—including biologics—should be guided by phenotyping and biomarkers. Registry data are essential to improve care quality and generate real-world evidence.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-73
Number of pages9
JournalKlinische Padiatrie
Volume238
Issue number2
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Dec 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105025944875

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • asthma management, biologicals, Paediatric asthma, practice guidelines, severe asthma