What is the recommended drug therapy for intermittent asthma in children aged 0-4?

For children aged 0-4 years with intermittent asthma, the recommended drug therapy is the use of a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed. SABAs are effective for providing quick relief from acute asthma symptoms and are appropriate for managing sporadic asthma attacks that do not occur frequently in individuals with intermittent asthma.

This age group typically experiences less frequent symptoms, and the use of a SABA as needed allows for immediate bronchodilation without the need for daily medication.

In contrast, low, medium, or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are typically used for persistent asthma, where symptoms occur more frequently and require ongoing prevention strategies. For children with intermittent asthma, using a SABA provides sufficient management of symptoms without the risks and potential side effects associated with chronic corticosteroid use.