Asthma morbidity and treatment in children with sickle cell disease.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and a comorbid condition of asthma have increased numbers of vaso-occlusive pain and acute chest syndrome episodes, and all-cause mortality. When assessed systematically, asthma prevalence is probably similar among children with SCD when compared with the general African-American population. With increasing recognition of the importance of asthma in the management of SCD, hematologists must become familiar with asthma and develop a multidisciplinary approach, including early recognition, appropriate management and referral to asthma specialists.