A 6 year old with moderate persistent asthma is diagnosed with pneumonia. What is the preferred treatment?

In the case of a 6-year-old with moderate persistent asthma diagnosed with pneumonia, the preferred treatment is amoxicillin. This is primarily due to the fact that children are more commonly affected by infections caused by specific bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in this age group. Amoxicillin is an effective first-line antibiotic for treating pneumococcal pneumonia, as it covers this organism well.

Amoxicillin is also a good choice because it is well-tolerated in pediatric populations and has a favorable side effect profile, making it suitable for young children. Additionally, given the patient's asthma history, it is essential to avoid treatments that could exacerbate their respiratory condition or complicate management.

While other options like azithromycin or doxycycline are appropriate in certain contexts—such as coverage for atypical pathogens or in older children and adults—amoxicillin remains the standard for uncomplicated pneumonia in younger children. Supportive care might be necessary for viral infections, but since the question specifies a diagnosis of pneumonia, antibiotic treatment targeting bacterial pathogens is indicated.