Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma

A chronic pediatric disease characterized by airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness, and obstruction.

Bronchial Asthma Etiology

• Asthma Triggers: Inhalant antigens (pollens, molds, house dust, or peanuts), exposure to cold air, irritating odors, and air pollutants.

• Asthma Mechanism: Mast cells release histamine and leukotrienes upon allergen invasion, leading to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production.

• Asthma Susceptibility: Tends to occur in children with atopy or those who are hypersensitive to allergens.

Bronchial Asthma Predisposing Factors

• Age of Onset: Up to 80% of children with asthma show symptoms before age 5.

• Ethnicity: More prevalent in black children than white children in the United States.

• Risk Factors: Respiratory viruses, environmental allergens, and tobacco smoke exposure.

Bronchial Asthma Signs and Symptoms

• Initial Symptoms: Rhinorrhea, irritability, nonproductive cough, and wheezing.

• Respiratory Symptoms: Tachypnea, dyspnea, and use of accessory muscles of respiration.

• Severe Attack Signs: Cyanosis, chest hyperinflation, and tachycardia.

Bronchial Asthma Diagnostic Procedures

• Spirometry Test: Measures airflow through the lungs to diagnose and monitor lung conditions.

• Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Test: Measures nitric oxide levels in breath to detect airway inflammation.

• Peak Flow Test: Measures the speed of exhaling air from the lungs.

Bronchial asthma Medications/Treatments

• Medications: Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting B-agonists, and leukotriene pathway inhibitors.

• Environmental Triggers: Tobacco smoke and allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

• Patient Involvement: Active participation in asthma management plans, physical activities, exercise, and sports.