For intermittent asthma in children aged 5-11, what is the recommended therapy?

The recommended therapy for intermittent asthma in children aged 5-11 is the use of a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed. This approach is based on treatment guidelines which indicate that individuals with intermittent asthma typically experience symptoms less than twice a week and do not have significant limitations on their activities.

SABAs are effective for quick relief of asthma symptoms and are to be used only when symptoms arise. This fits well with the definition of intermittent asthma where control is achieved primarily through the use of rescue medications rather than daily controller medications.

In this age group with intermittent asthma, daily use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is not typically necessary, as indicated by the other treatment options. A low, medium, or high dose of ICS is generally recommended for patients with persistent asthma rather than intermittent. Therefore, SABA use as needed provides effective symptom control and minimizes the risks associated with unnecessary daily medication for a population that does not require it for regular management of their condition.