Asthma – Symptoms & Treatment

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Asthma is a condition characterized by severe spasm of the bronchi and bronchioles. It chiefly occurs in the winter months but can occur throughout the year also in susceptible individuals. It can start as early as 3 months of age in susceptible children. Generally, there is a family history of asthma or allergy. Any event like cold air, exercise, dust, perfume or paint smell, excessive use of airconditioners. A wheezing sound is heard when the bronchioles go into spasm. This is a whistling sound heard even by the mother. The intercostal muscles work overtime and hard causing intercostals recession. There is subcostal recession causing a depression below the subcostal area. Breathing rate is very rapid more than 60 times per minute. Child is breathless.

According to Dr Mubina Agboatwalla – child specialist in Karachi, the child responds to bronchodilators. These are generally given by a nebulizer or inhaler. Children find it difficult to take an inhaler unless given with a spacer. Oral bronchodilator can also be given but with care as they can cause increased heart rate and tremors. Anti allergics should be given. In severe cases, steroids are given. In very severe cases, intravenous steroids followed by a short course of oral steroids. As a preventive measure monteleukast is given.

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