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The ‘Brussels Declaration’ calls for the medical community to recognise that asthma management in children must be specifically studied and that treatment and diagnosis need to adapt to the latest scientific knowledge.

It also suggests that ‘guidelines should look to seek evidence from other studies such as health economic and health outcomes studies that focus on a broader range of end points and studies that reflect real-world patient care’.

Professor Stephen Holgate, MRC research professor and asthma specialist from the University of Southampton, said  it was time for a zero tolerance approach. Current treatment guidelines are simply not enough to reverse the impact of asthma on vast numbers of people.’

The points identified in the Declaration can produce a real change that will make a difference to people with asthma, he said.

Chairman of the General Practice Airways Group and Somerset GP Dr Steve Holmes said UK asthma guidance covers most of the recommendations.

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