February 23, 2016 - Pediatric Asthma

Question 1

Basic Pathophysiology of Asthma

Answer 1

Inflammation

Bronchoconstriction

Mucus hypersecretion

Question 2

Prenatal Risk Factors

Answer 2

Tobacco

Question 3

Post-Natal Risk Factors

Answer 3

Tobacco

Viral infections (RSV and rhinovirus)

Indoor/outdoor pollution

Pre-pubertal obesity

Question 4

Red Flags for Pediatric Asthma

Answer 4

Growth failure

Signs of malabsorption

Recurrent sino-pulmonary infections

Difficulty swallowing/choking

Positional symptoms

Congenital abnormalities

Poor response to treatment

Question 5

Physical Exam for Pediatric Asthma

Answer 5

May be completely normal

May have atopic findings (allergic shiners, allergic salute, eczema)

Will NOT have clubbing, subconjunctival hemorrhage, probably not polyps, not hyperinflation.

Question 6

Asthma and Age

Answer 6

The younger the child, the less likely that the cause will be asthma.

Particularly very young, it is more likely to be something else like bronchiolitis.

Question 7

First-Line Therapy for Persistent Asthma

Answer 7

Inhaled corticosteroids.

Question 8

Long-acting Beta Agonists (LABAs)

Answer 8

Never use without ICS.

Can be used in conjunction with ICS as a 2nd line therapy.