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[Bronchial asthma in a pediatric emergency service]
1Servizio di Pronto Soccorso e Primo Accoglimento, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo di Trieste, Italia.
Summary
Pediatric asthma prevalence and treatment were studied in Trieste, Italy. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for childhood asthma were found to be low, likely due to effective allergy care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a significant pediatric respiratory condition.
- Understanding local prevalence and treatment patterns is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, clinical presentation, and management of childhood asthma.
- To analyze emergency department (ED) consultations and hospitalizations for asthma in a specific Italian region.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) from January to December 1991.
- Inclusion criteria: patients aged 3 months to 16 years presenting with bronchial asthma.
- Data collected on demographics, diagnosis, seasonality, symptoms, treatments, and hospitalizations.
Main Results:
- 118 pediatric asthma cases were identified (0.7% of total ED visits).
- Peak seasonality observed in autumn and winter; common symptoms included cough and dyspnea.
- Primary treatments involved inhaled salbutamol and oral corticosteroids; hospitalization rates were low.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric asthma ED consultations and hospitalizations in the studied area are low.
- Effective functioning of the Allergologic Centre and strong pediatrician collaboration likely contribute to these low rates.