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ASTHMA (PEDIATRIC)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs of children and adults.
The patient usually complains of shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing with wheezing.

A diagnosis of asthma in young children is more likely if they have symptom patterns, presence of risk factors for development of asthma and therapeutic response to controller treatment.
Goals of treatment are effective symptom control with minimal or no exacerbations, minimal or no nocturnal and daytime symptoms, no limitations on activities, minimal or no need for reliever treatment, and minimal adverse effects of medication.

Patient Education

  • Aims to actively involve the children, their families & caregivers in managing asthma
  • Education should be provided over several visits
    • Studies have shown that asthma control is improved with the use of written asthma management plan together with careful verbal explanation of the treatment regimen
  • Develop patient/doctor partnership
    • Objective is to give patients the ability to control their asthma with guidance from health care professionals 
  • The patient, parents & caregivers should be able to apply the following objectives
    • Avoid triggers & aggravating factors
    • Take medications accurately & appropriately
    • Understand the difference between “controller” & “reliever” medications
    • Train about correct inhalation technique
    • Monitor asthma control status
    • Recognize signs of worsening asthma & take appropriate action
    • Seek medical help when necessary
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