[Therapy of bronchial asthma in childhood]

Endre Cserháti1

  • 1Semmelweis Egyetem, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, I. Gyermekklinika, Budapest. cser@gyer1.sote.hu

Orvosi Hetilap
|December 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study summarizes current childhood bronchial asthma treatments, focusing on reducing allergic airway inflammation and symptoms. Key therapies include allergen avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Context:

  • Childhood bronchial asthma affects 1-30% of children globally, characterized by allergic airway inflammation.
  • Effective management requires addressing environmental triggers, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Purpose:

  • To provide a comprehensive summary of current therapeutic strategies for pediatric bronchial asthma.
  • To outline the principles of allergen avoidance, drug selection based on severity, and immunotherapy.

Summary:

  • Therapy focuses on diminishing allergic inflammation and alleviating asthma symptoms.
  • Treatment modalities include environmental allergen/trigger reduction, pharmacotherapy guided by WHO severity steps, and allergen-specific immunotherapy.
  • Key drug properties and practical therapeutic approaches are detailed, alongside immunotherapy features.

Impact:

  • Informs healthcare providers on evidence-based asthma management in children.
  • Aims to improve patient outcomes by optimizing therapeutic interventions.
  • Highlights the multi-faceted approach needed for effective pediatric asthma control.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:17

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...