Executive summary: Japanese pediatric guideline for the treatment and management of asthma (JPGL) 2020

This article covers the salient and updated themes of the Japanese Pediatric Guidelines for the Treatment and Management of Asthma (JPGL) 2020 published by the Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In the 2020 guidelines, five new clinical questions (CQs) have been added to address the 12 CQs regarding the treatment of childhood asthma. “Infant and preschool asthma” is diagnosed when young children (<6 years of age) have three or more episodes of clear expiratory wheezing, which continue for more than 24 h, and symptom improvement can be observed after beta-2 agonist inhalation. In children without clear improvement, diagnostic therapeutic trial for the duration of 1 month with controller treatment can be used. Since long-term management is initiated, the treatment level is adjusted based on the current control status and the management of risk factors, with the provision for holistic care. This underscores the smooth transition of pediatric patients into adult services. There are several differences between the JPGL and the guidelines of other countries. Further evidence is obtained as the utility of the newly proposed management plans should be evaluated in the Japanese population.