Pregledni rad

Asthma Features in Children

Mirjana Turkalj ; Dječja bolnica Srebrnjak
Davor Plavec ; Dječja bolnica Srebrnjak
Damir Erceg ; Dječja bolnica Srebrnjak

Sažetak

Asthma in children is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by variable airflow obstruction, airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, and reversibility, which may be either spontaneous or result from treatment. It is still unclear whether pediatric asthma significantly differs from that in adults. The answer to this question requires a better understanding of the mechanisms of the disease, and has a direct impact on the asthma management and therapy. For many asthmatic patients, the disease has its roots in infancy and early childhood. The asthma in childhood shows age-related variations. It is very difficult to differentiate between asthma and recurrent wheezing in the first year of life. Asthmatic phenotypes in children are different from similar phenotypes in adults. Children with severe asthma have no gender bias and are highly atopic with relatively well-preserved lung function, unlike female- preponderant, non-atopic bias seen in adults. The diagnosis of asthma in early childhood is challenging and has to be based largely on clinical judgment and an assessment of symptoms and physical findings. Asthma treatment in children has certain specificities comparing to that in adults. Almost all children can be taught to effectively use inhaled therapy. Different age groups require different inhalers and spacers for effective therapy, so the choice of inhaler must be individualized and age appropriate.

Ključne riječi

asthma; infants; child; wheezing; treatment

Hrčak ID:

81077

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/81077

Datum izdavanja:

19.12.2011.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 3.438 *