Pneumology meets pediatrics

In pediatrics and adult respiratory medicine different lung diseases play different roles. Asthma is one of the most frequent respiratory diseases worldwide and can be newly manifested across all ages, from childhood to senior age; however, asthma symptoms can also resolve at any time and the disease can go into remission. Pediatricians and adult respiratory physicians have different perceptions and approaches towards the meaning of terms such as asthma remission and the importance of certain biomarkers as well as towards the use of lung function in the diagnostic process. Diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis, that until recently were exclusively represented in either pediatrics or adult respiratory medicine, now necessitate that both specialist disciplines more closely approach each other both on a scientific level and in clinical care.