Impact of digital technologies on pediatric asthma care

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, significantly impacting their health, quality of life, and healthcare systems globally. Pediatric asthma accounts for substantial morbidity, including frequent exacerbations, emergency department visits, and missed school days. Despite the availability of effective treatments and clear management guidelines, achieving optimal asthma control remains a challenge. In recent years, digital technologies have emerged as transformative tools in asthma care, offering new ways to monitor, educate, and treat pediatric patients. A systematic review was conducted to examine the impact of digital technologies on pediatric asthma care, synthesizing evidence on their effectiveness, challenges, and future directions. Covering studies from January 2020 to December 2024, the review analyzed 59 primary studies that involved mobile health (mHealth) applications, electronic medication monitoring systems, wearable devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions, and school-based telemedicine programs. Findings reveal that mHealth applications and serious games promote self-management, improve medication adherence, and support patient education. Telemedicine, including school-based and remote patient monitoring, enhances care accessibility, reduces emergency visits, and promotes continuity of care, particularly in underserved populations. Wearable devices and electronic monitoring tools enhance symptom tracking and evaluation of inhaler technique. AI-driven interventions, such as digital twin systems, show promise in personalizing treatment and predicting exacerbations. Despite encouraging outcomes, challenges remain, including digital literacy gaps, limited access to devices and the internet, and difficulties integrating digital tools into clinical workflows. Usability and sustainability vary widely depending on design approaches, caregiver engagement, and infrastructure readiness.