Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by narrowing of the air channels that carry air to the lungs. It is the most common chronic disease in childhood and is responsible for the majority of school absences. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of asthma all over the world, and approximately 5 to 15 out of every hundred children have childhood asthma. The increase in air pollution, increased contact with allergic substances, obesity and frequent respiratory infections are seen as the most important reasons for this increase.
How is asthma diagnosed?
The diagnosis of asthma is first made by deepening the child's disease history and a careful examination. The diagnosis of asthma should be kept in mind, especially in children with worsening cough at night, recurrent difficult breathing attacks, and a recurrent feeling of tightness in the chest. Although different in each patient, wheezing and wheezing are characteristic findings of childhood asthma. There is no specific test for childhood asthma; it is usually diagnosed clinically after at least three episodes of wheezing and wheezing. Lung function tests and spirometry can be used as aids in diagnosis. These tests determine the degree of stenosis in the airway and whether it is reversible or not. It also provides useful information in the follow-up of the treatment.
What triggers asthma attacks?
The disease progresses with periodic acute exacerbations. These attacks are most commonly triggered by exercise, viral respiratory infections, cold weather, strong emotional changes, respiratory allergens (house dust mites, pollen, cat-dog dander, etc.) and chemicals (perfume, deodorant, cleaning materials).
Can asthma be treated?
The prognosis of asthma is very good in young children who are monitored regularly and without interruption in their treatment. 20% of babies with wheezing do not experience such a problem after the age of 3. About half of well-treated children with asthma have no symptoms after 10 years. However, many childhood asthmas that are uncontrolled, do not receive regular treatment, and are not under the supervision of a doctor often recur in adulthood. They experience asthma attacks.
What are the treatment goals in asthma?
The main goals of pediatricians in controlling asthma are the number of coughs and the frequency of infections. is to use fewer medications, reducing the need for bronchodilator medications and recurrent exacerbations.
Which drugs are used in the treatment of asthma?
There are basically two groups of drugs in the treatment of asthma. The first group is "rescue" drugs, these are emergency drugs that expand the bronchi and open the respiratory tract. These drugs, which contain active ingredients such as salbutamol and albuterol, reduce respiratory distress, wheezing and wheezing during attacks. The second group of drugs are preventive or controlling drugs and are for use every day. Controller medications usually contain very low doses of cortisone.
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