Asthma Clinical Features in Children Flashcards
No wheeze
No asthma
What is the primary physiological manifestation of this hyperresponsiveness?
Variable airway obstruction
What percentage of UK children are asthmatic?
1 million, 5% of which are on inhaled steroids
What are the 5 aetiology settings?
Infant onset Childhood onset Adult onset Excertional asthma Occupational asthma
Is stethoscope useful in examination for asthma?
NO
Is there a test for asthma?
NO Peak flow random number generator Allergy tests irrelevant Spirometry lacks specificity Exhaled nitric oxide unproven
Does a cough variant asthma exist in kids?
NO Cough predominant asthma not uncommon in adults (I THINK)
What are the mechanisms for wheeze?
Bronchoconstriction Airway wall thickening Luminal secretions
What is stertor?
Respiratory sound characterized by heavy snoring or gasping
What is stridor?
A harsh vibrating noise when breathing, caused by obstruction of the windpipe or larynx
What can wheeze be confused for?
rattle/stertor/stridor
What is SOB at rest indicative of?
Significant resp difficulty (<30% lung function) Airway obstruction Sooking in of ribs with wheeze
What triggers exist for asthma?
URTI (rhinovirus in 75%) Exercise Allergen Cold air Other (emotion, menstruation)
What are the features of a child which best suggests asthma?
Wheeze SOB @ rest Multitriggered Variable Atopy Parental asthma RESPONDS TO TREATMENT
What conditions can asthma be confused for?
Viral induced wheeze Foreign body Cystic fibrosis Immune deficiency Ciliary dyskinesia Tracheo-brochomalacia Aspiration Gastro-oesophageal reflux