Academic experience in the management of childhood asthma

listening, support and education in Primary Care

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, highly prevalent in childhood and a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations in Brazil. Its effective management requires not only pharmacological treatment but also educational interventions that promote self-care, proper use of inhalation devices and active caregiver involvement, especially within the context of Primary Health Care (PHC). Objective: To report the experience of third-semester medical students from Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais in conducting educational activities aimed at managing childhood asthma, with emphasis on strengthening the connection between families, the community and the healthcare team. Experience report: The intervention, which continued a project initiated in the previous semester, was carried out at a Primary Health Unit and a public school in the western region of Belo Horizonte. A total of 24 children who had recently used inhalation medications were identified, and their caregivers were invited to attend in-person sessions. These sessions included the application of structured questionnaires, practical instruction on inhalation techniques, and group discussion about asthma triggers and clinical aspects of the disease were held. The initiative also enabled the classification of asthma severity and the identification of barriers to effective home management. Final considerations: The experience highlighted the potential of the educational activities in improving childhood asthma control and promoting shared care. Furthermore, it contributed to the development of critical thinking, empathy and communication skills among medical students within the scope of Primary Health Care.