Asthma In Children Flashcards
1
Q
Asthma triggers in younger children
A
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Rhinovirus
- Parainfluenza virus infection
2
Q
Asthma triggers in older children
A
- Pneumonia
- Exercise (Playing)
- Emotions
- Inhaled irritants
- Cold, dry air
3
Q
Symptoms
A
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea/SOB
4
Q
Signs of asthma
A
1 Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
- Wheezing
- Cynosis
- Expiratory phase is prolonged
- Use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, inability to speak and pursed lips.
- Diminished breath sounds
- Hyper resonant lung fields.
5
Q
Risk factors
A
- Family Hx
- Allergies
- Viral respiratory infections
- Obesity
- Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
6
Q
Diagnosis
A
- Clinical, through thorough Hx and physical examination.
NB. Spirometry and lung function tests are difficult to perform in young children.°If a child has more than one of the ff symp: Wheezing, cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, 1. Particularly if these are frequent, or recurrent, or worse in the early morning or worse at night. 2. If they occur in response to, or worse after exercise, or other triggers.
7
Q
Diagnosis with thorough Hx and exam
A
A child can be classified as:
- High probability-dx of asthma is likely
2. Low probability-dx other than asthma is likely
3. Intermediate probability- dx uncertain
8
Q
DDx
A
- COPD
- Foreign body in the trachea or bronchus
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
9
Q
Pathophysiology of Asthma
A
genetic factors or genetic predisposition
- Bronchial inflammation
- Bronchial hyperreactivity + trigger factors
- Oedema Bronchoconstriction ⬆ Mucus production.
- Airway narrowing
- symptoms: Cough, wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness
10
Q
The pattern of Asthma should be assessed by asking:
A
- How frequent are the symptoms?
- How much school has been missed due to symptoms?
- Are sport and general activities affected by asthma?
- how often is sleep disturbed by asthma?
- How severe are the interval symptoms between exacerbations?
11
Q
Diagnostic investigations
A
1Skin prick test (common allergens)
2. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) : increased variability <92%
12
Q
The danger signs in acute, severe asthma that need referral:
A
- Restlessness
- Disturbance in the level of consciousness
- PEFR <60% of predicted value
- Decreased oxygen saturation <85%
- Rising PaCO2
- Silent chest on auscultation
- Palpable pulses paradoxus
- Chest pain (air leaks)
13
Q
Classify Mild Asthma
A
- Oxygen sat: >95%
- PEFR: 70-90%
- Arterial PaCO2: <35mmHg
- Pulsus paradoxus: <10mmHg
- Wheezing: Expiratory
- RR: <40
- Additional signs: nil
- Management: B2 agonist MDI 2 puffs, repeat as needed up to 10 puffs. In children <5years use a spacer +/- Mask. Consider Prednisone 1-2mg/kg PO
14
Q
Classify Moderate Asthma
A
- Oxygen sat: 92-95%
- PEFR: 50-70%
- Arterial PaCO2: <40mmHg (5.3kPa
- Pulsus paradoxus: 10-20mmHg may be palpable
- Wheezing: Expiratory and inspiratory
- RR: >40
- Additional signs: Speaks normally, Difficulty feeding, chest indrawing
- Management:
° Oxygen 100% via face mask 4-6L OR 1-2L via nasal cannula.
+
°Short acting B2 agonist e.g. Salbutamol,inhalation using MDI (4-6 puffs) up to 10 puffs repeated every 20-30mins OR Nebulise.
+/- iprattopium bromide inhalation. Prednisone 2mg/kg oral
15
Q
General measures
A
- Admit child to high care if available
- Monitor:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Respiratory rate
Acid-base status
PEFR
Pulse oximetry
Blood gases - Ensure adequate hydration: Normal maintenance volume of oral fluids, to avoid overhydration
- If unable to drink give 0.45% sodium chloride OR 5% Dextrose, IV. Avoid overhydrating children with severe asthma, because they become dehydrated because of poor intake or vomiting. Do not exceed children recommended max Dosage i.e 5mL/kg/24 hours.