Asthma is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world and there is evidence that its prevalence has increased considerably over the past 20 years, especially in children. The Global Initiative for Asthma was created to increase awareness of asthma among health professionals, public health authorities, and the general public, and to improve prevention and management through a concerted worldwide effort. The Initiative prepares reports on asthma management based on the best available scientific evidence, encourages dissemination and implementation of the recommendations, and promotes international collaboration on asthma research.

Recommendations in this Pocket Guide present special challenges that must be taken into account to manage asthma in children during the first 5 years of life, including difficulties with diagnosis, and efficacy and safety of drugs and delivery systems. Approaches to these issues will vary among populations based on socioeconomic conditions, genetic diversity, cultural beliefs, and differences in health care access and delivery.