Thursday, September 1, 2011

Childhood asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. In Germany, about one in ten children is affected. By an early, consistent treatment and closely monitored by the doctor, the disease can be treated well.
Bronchial asthma is characterized by a persistent inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. This inflammation leads to a hypersensitivity of the airways. The result is the swelling of the mucosa and excessive mucus production, resulting in a narrowing of the bronchi with the result. In acute bronchial asthma attack, the tense (bronchospasm) and exhaling becomes difficult. Symptoms such as constant coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, thick mucus and a paroxysmal dyspnea are typical features of an asthma sufferer.
Among the asthma triggers:

    
Allergens
    
Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, food

    
Infections
    
Viruses, bacteria and other pathogens

    
Irritants
    
Tobacco smoke, sprays, cooking and Bratdünste, cold air, strong smells, etc.

    
Drug
    
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin intolerance) e.g.

    
Other
    
Substances in the environment (dust), mental events, stress, strain, gastro-esophageal reflux (backflow of stomach juices into the esophagus).
Forms and their asthma triggers
Generally there are two different forms asthma. In allergic (extrinsic) asthma is based on an allergy, which is regarded as a cause of asthma. The non-allergic asthma (intrinsic) - which often is present in infancy - is often triggered by infections and / or enhanced. In addition, factors such as weather, chemical irritants, perfumes, air pollutants adversely affect (especially cigarette smoke) and also the emotional stress asthma.
Asthma is treatable
For the treatment of bronchial asthma, careful monitoring is important. First is the avoidance of possible asthma triggers. In parallel, appropriate asthma medications are individually selected by the specialist and trained to handle them. In addition, there are many accompanying measures. Sport asthma, breathing and relaxation exercises, self-monitoring by the peak-flow meters and the acceptance of the disease play an important role. The medication depends on the severity of inflammation and asthma is determined by one-step plan.

No comments: