Is bronchial asthma dangerous in children?
Bronchial asthma in children is a chronic respiratory inflammation syndrome involving many types of inflammatory cells along with other forms of stimulation that increase bronchial reactivity, causing spasm, edema, increased secretion in bronchial cells, causing bronchial obstruction, manifested by wheezing, mainly when exhaling. These manifestations can recover naturally or with medication. Currently, in some countries, the rate of HPQ in children is very high, up to 20% in Singapore, 18.8% in the Philippines, and in Vietnam it is also over 10%.
In the management and treatment of HPQ, early intervention is essential for accurate diagnosis. The following symptoms point to HPQ.
Functional symptoms
- Cough, initially dry cough then with phlegm secretion, persistent cough, cough more at night especially when the weather changes.
- Coughing up white phlegm, with many eosinophils. If the phlegm is purulent, there is a bacterial bronchitis infection.
- Difficulty breathing, mainly difficulty breathing out, lasting. If mild, it only appears when exerting. Older children feel heavy in the chest.
- Typical case of frequent difficulty breathing, with wheezing.
Physical symptoms
There are many wheezing, snoring in the lungs, wheezing, lung percussion may be louder than normal, the dull area before the heart is reduced, the chest may protrude forward if the difficulty breathing is prolonged.
Paraclinical symptoms
- Sputum test: Older children may cough up white, shiny, foamy and sticky phlegm containing many eosinophils and Charcot-Leyden crystals. If there is a secondary infection, the sputum will have a foul odor and contain bacteria.
- Blood test: Increased red blood cell volume, increased eosinophils. pH will turn into acidosis, protein and immunoglobulin will decrease.
- Respiratory function test: Decreased vital capacity. Peak flow does not reach normal index (it is difficult to measure this index in children under 5 years old).
- X-ray: The recorded image shows emphysema.
In practice, it is mainly based on clinical symptoms, testing is only performed when necessary. Gina (international asthma control program) classifies HPQ into 4 levels according to severity.
In summary, to manage and treat HPQ well, it is necessary to:
- Closely coordinate with the patient and family.
- Monitor, evaluate and use respiratory function tests, especially peak flow.
- Limit exposure to factors that trigger asthma attacks.
– Treat with the right regimen, use the right and sufficient dose of medication.
– Monitor and promptly handle asthma attacks, control asthma attacks.
– Provide comprehensive care, especially for children under 5 years old.
(According to Health & Life)
Note: This article is for reference only. Please consult your doctor or specialist for further advice.
Experience in curing hoarseness with tamarind leaves As an English teacher, I have to talk a...
Bronchial asthma with secondary infection causes life-threatening complications. Read now to be more proactive in dealing...
Monk fruit is sweet and cool; enters the lungs and large intestine. It has the effect...
