Chronic Asthma In Children Flashcards
State some of the similarities between asthma in adults and children
- symptoms
- the fact its common
- same triggers
- same treatment
- same pathology
State the differences between asthma in adults and children
In children boys are more likely to have asthma
In adults woman are more likely to have asthma
Describe the 5 settings of asthma
- infant onset
- childhood onset
- adult onset
- exceptional asthma
- occupational asthma
Describe the ‘sum of multiple hits’
The coupling of aetiological factors that lead to asthma
- genetic
- abnormal lungs
- early onset atopy
- environment/later exposures
- rhinovirus
- exercise
- smoking
What can ‘sooking’ in of the ribs be an indication of?
Airway obstruction
Significant resp difficulty ie <30% lung function
What course of treatment should be used for an infrequent episodic wheeze with a cold?
Salbutamol
What is wheeze often mistaken for?
Rattle/stertor
Describe a common differential in a child with asthma that has parents concerned
Viral induced wheeze
Bronchitis
Describe the mechanism for wheeze in children
Caused by bronchoconstriction, airway wall thickening and luminal secretions
Children’s airways are smaller and more likely to be musical
Describe viral induced wheeze
Recurrent infection
Usually a sign of (small print)
- foreign body
- cystic fibrosis
- Immune deficiency
- Ciliary dyskinesia
- tracheo-bronchomalacia
- aspiration
Describe the most likely outcomes in children under 18 months
Most likely an infection
At what age is a child presenting asthma like symptoms most likely to have asthma?
Over 5 years is most likely asthma
Describe conditions that have an isolated cough but do not indicate asthma
- bronchitis
- pertussis
- habitual cough (8-12 year old, single loud cough)
- tracheomalacia (life long loud cough)
- small print eg CF, foreign bodies etc
Describe the signs/symptoms of bronchitis
- very common
- loose rattle cough
- noisy breathing
- post-tussive vomit
- chest free of wheeze/creps
What treatment should be carried out for bacterial bronchitis
No treatment! Self - limiting and antibiotics will only give side effects
