Asthma medication use in school-aged children.

Using data from the 1996, 1998, and 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study assessed controller medication use in a national representative sample of school-aged children with persistent asthma. Children 5 to 17 years of age with persistent asthma were identified in accordance with the Health Employer Data and Information Set specifications. Nonuse of controllers and excess use of relievers were common. In addition, controller medications were significantly less likely to be purchased for younger children, black and Hispanic children, and white children whose mothers had at least a college education. Efforts to improve childhood asthma management are needed, especially for those children.