Environmental pollution and the constant growth of respiratory diseases have a detrimental effect on the immunity of the child. As a result of this, bronchial asthma often develops in children.
This is a disease provoked by inflammation of the respiratory system, resulting in a bronchospasm with significant mucus. Asthma is mainly chronic, and the mucus itself prevents the normal penetration of air into the lungs. It can have an allergenic and non-allergenic form. The allergenic type manifests itself with the prolonged presence of an allergen. The most common are food, dust, pet hair. The non-allergenic type of asthma is much less common, its occurrence is associated with the sensitivity of the child to various infections.
Main forms
According to the classification of bronchial asthma in children, it can be allergic and non-allergic. The causes of their appearance are somewhat different, but the manifestations are identical. Atopic form of bronchial asthma in children occurs due to the penetration of an allergen into the body.
The non-allergic type of the disease proceeds similarly to the allergic one, however, during the examination it is impossible to detect provoking factors. Among the main reasons it is necessary to highlight the inhalation of cold air, strong physical exertion, as well as the inhalation of pungent odors.
Special attention should be paid to asthma, triggered by the usual aspirin. After taking this medicine, certain processes are activated in the body that lead to a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi. Often, such a disease is accompanied by pathologies of the stomach and intestines. Most attacks occur in a more severe form.
Causes of occurrence
The etiology of bronchial asthma in children is very different, such factors as the following can provoke the onset of this complex disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- environmental factor;
- high levels of allergens;
- the use of certain drugs.
Of great importance is heredity, and if asthma is observed in both parents, then the possibility of developing it in a child is significantly increased. A negative environmental situation can provoke this disease. Of particular danger to the child is the air in a large city.
Cigarette smoke is considered one of the most powerful allergens. Maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy can provoke an allergic predisposition in the child.
Features of the development of the disease
The pathogenesis of bronchial asthma in children consists of several stages that proceed sequentially. In particular, such as:
- sensitization;
- pathochemical;
- pathophysiological.
Sensitization is the first contact with an allergen. Immunity begins to produce immunoglobulin in response to its penetration. The allergen settles in the bronchi, and immune cells begin to actively fight it.
The pathochemical stage develops upon repeated contact with the allergen. It binds to immunoglobulins on the surface of cells. In response to this, inflammation of the bronchi occurs.
The pathophysiological stage is characterized by the fact that bronchospasm begins to develop, swelling of the walls of the bronchi is observed, followed by the release of viscous sputum. The clearance is very much narrowed, and the passage of air is difficult. As a result, an asthma attack develops.
Severity
There are several different degrees of bronchial asthma in children, according to which clinical signs are evaluated. Mild is characterized by the fact that exacerbations are short-lived, with timely treatment, the prognosis is quite favorable.
Moderate severity has a fairly pronounced symptomatology. Daytime attacks are repeated daily, and nighttime several times a week. With its course, a disability of the 3rd group is formed, especially if additional signs are observed.
Severe asthma is characterized by the fact that attacks are repeated every day and night. The sleep and activity of the child are very much disturbed. Significantly difficult inhalation and exhalation. The prognosis of the course of the disease is unfavorable. Disability of the 2nd-3rd group is made out.
The main symptoms
To help your child, you definitely need to know how the development of bronchial asthma in children occurs and how it manifests itself. This will determine what can be done independently to eliminate the attack, and when emergency care is required. Among the first signs can be distinguished such as:
- feeling of lack of air;
- cough, manifested mainly at night;
- compressive sensations in the chest;
- hoarse breathing after exposure to an allergen.
A distinctive feature of asthma is that at the initial stage of the development of the disease, all signs are very quickly eliminated with the use of the drug. Before an attack begins, most children change. They become either too irritable and restless, or lethargic and sleepy. After a while, other symptoms of bronchial asthma in children join, in particular, such as:
- difficulty breathing air;
- noisy, hoarse breathing;
- heaviness in the chest area;
- paroxysmal cough.
The attack is facilitated at the moment when the child takes a sitting position, leaning on his hands and slightly raising his shoulders. Every parent should know how to recognize the course of bronchial asthma, since if the disease is accompanied by frequent attacks, then this leads to oxygen starvation of the internal organs. This can trigger a developmental delay.
Diagnostics
An accurate diagnosis requires consultation with an allergist. Doctors prescribe tests to determine the allergens in the body or spirography. This research method is aimed at determining the air volume of the lungs, as well as the rate of inhalation of air. Spirography allows you to determine whether lung obstruction is present and at what level it is located.
In addition, sputum and blood tests may be required, as well as chest x-rays. An informative diagnostic method is a test with bronchodilator drugs. In children of the first 2 years of life, diagnosis is complicated by the presence of obstructive syndrome.
First aid
It is very important to provide first aid to a child with an attack of bronchial asthma. It is very important to calm him down, since the psychological factor plays a very important role in the development of an attack. From the baby you need to remove all tight clothes, open the window for fresh air to enter the room.
Give the child an inhaler or nebulizer, as well as the drug Eufillin. In addition, it is desirable to make a warm bath for arms and legs. If all these measures cannot stop the attack within 30 minutes, you need to call an ambulance, as this can lead to respiratory arrest. Emergency care for asthma in children will prevent the development of dangerous complications.
Treatment features
If the child has bronchial asthma, you need to immediately begin treatment so that you can quickly eliminate the existing disease. Despite the fact that there are many different medications, this disease cannot be completely cured. For the treatment, medications are used that prevent the development of spasm, eliminate inflammation and remove the allergen from the body.
The complex of therapeutic measures include carrying out frequent wet cleaning of the room, the use of cleaners and humidifiers. It is advisable to remove down mattresses and pillows, carpets. Other techniques include:
- physical training;
- breathing exercises;
- hardening of the child;
- reflexology;
- carrying out rehabilitation techniques in salt mines.
Recently, a course of allergen-specific immunotherapy has gained great popularity. The essence of this method is the introduction of a small amount of allergen to the patient and the subsequent control of bronchospasm. Over time, the concentration of allergen increases, the reaction to the stimulus becomes less acute.
Medications
How to treat bronchial asthma in a child with the help of medications can only be determined by a qualified doctor. It is worth noting that no medication can completely cure the chronic form of the disease. There are drugs that can help eliminate the attack and remove the allergen from the body. They are prescribed depending on the severity of the course of seizures with a phased increase in dosage.
Modern medications prescribed for bronchial asthma in a 3-year-old child can be symptomatic and basic. Symptoms help eliminate spasm and facilitate air access to the lungs. Apply them when an attack occurs. Basic remedies help eliminate inflammation and eliminate allergens. They are used for continuous treatment, so they are not characterized by instantaneous action. Among the basic drugs, Nedocromil and Cromoglycic Acid are distinguished, as well as glucocorticoids for the inhaler.
They act locally, release histamine from cells, inhibit the reaction to an allergen, and also prevent the development of bronchospasm. With prolonged use, these drugs reduce bronchial hyperactivity, reduce the frequency and duration of seizures, and are also completely safe for children.
Receptor antagonists provide a good result in the treatment of asthma, provoked by the use of medications, as well as arising from physical exertion. They can be used in combination with glucocorticoid inhalations, which can enhance their anti-inflammatory effect.
When carrying out specific therapy, which is prescribed during the period of remission, bronchodilator drugs are prescribed. In particular, methylxanthines, which are prescribed in tablet form or as an intravenous agent, have a good result.
Anticholinergics are used for inhalation with mild asthma. The combination of Fenoterol and Ipratropium Bromide will be effective. The effectiveness of antihistamines in bronchial asthma in children is quite low. For therapy, second and third generation drugs are used. They have a long-lasting effect and a minimum of side effects.
Antihistamines can prevent the development of an asthma attack caused by an allergen, physical exertion, and also reduce the symptoms. In particular, such drugs as Loratadin, Petirizin, Ketotifen are prescribed.
Folk techniques
Alternative treatment of bronchial asthma in children is aimed at reducing sensitivity to allergens and reducing the incidence of bronchial spasms and swelling of the mucosa. In addition, such techniques can eliminate inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Enough anti-inflammatory drugs include herbs such as yarrow, licorice, sage, and chamomile.
To strengthen immunity, you need to use echinacea, celandine, horsetail, strawberry leaves. They have a very mild effect, they can be used even during an exacerbation. To dilute sputum and facilitate expectoration, nettle, ledum, coltsfoot are used. It is also useful to take baths with pine needles extract, take walks in the coniferous forest. Strengthen the respiratory system will help the sea air.
Homeopathic remedies
Many people use homeopathic remedies to treat children, since they are completely natural and do not provoke side effects. However, it is worth remembering that some plant components are allergens, therefore, before giving them to a child, it is worth making sure that there are no contraindications.
Some foods are also very good homeopathic remedies. To normalize the well-being of the child, it is enough just to include them in the usual diet. Ginger root has a positive effect on the baby’s condition, as it helps to dilate blood vessels, and also prevents the occurrence of attacks. Tea tree oil and honey are a good remedy, as they help soften the cough and prevent shortness of breath.
Clinical recommendations and care
The nursing process in children with bronchial asthma should be comprehensive and aimed at caring for the baby, as well as maintaining a period of remission. The treatment begins with an assessment of the severity of the disease. The treatment plan is constantly changing so that you can control the well-being of the child.
Care for bronchial asthma in children implies strict adherence to important medical recommendations, namely:
- application for bedding impervious covers;
- washing bedding at high temperature;
- elimination of soft toys.
If an asthmatic child lives in the house, it is strictly forbidden to keep pets, as their coat is a very strong allergen.
Rehabilitation measures
Rehabilitation of children with asthma includes physical therapy, draining massage, hardening. All these measures are carried out if there are no acute manifestations of the disease. They will help normalize well-being and prevent complications.
In bronchial asthma in children, the national program implies a sanitary treatment. Mineral water, clean air, climate and wellness treatments are effective preventive measures for exacerbations of the disease. Vouchers are available only if you have a disability. Before conducting rehabilitation, it is necessary to cure acute diseases and possible chronic complications. It is recommended to visit sanatoriums in the area of the child’s residence, as there will be no need to adapt to the new climate.
Respiratory exercises aimed at increasing the elasticity of lung tissue are important. The easiest method is to exhale with resistance, exhale through a tube located in the water, inflating balloons.
Disease in infants
Bronchial asthma in children under one year old is quite difficult. Due to the characteristics of the body of the baby, it is difficult to make the correct diagnosis. In this case, treatment begins quite late, which often leads to disability of the baby.
In an infant, the disease occurs mainly as a result of food allergies and the penetration of drug allergens into the body. Much also depends on the features of the course of pregnancy.
Asthma can occur in the first months of a child’s life. The doctor can take frequent attacks of shortness of breath as one of the complications of ARVI. The thing is that the baby has a very small volume of lungs. This provokes a narrowing of the bronchi, which significantly violates their patency.
For a long time, the child has difficulty breathing, as well as coughing. Characteristic asthma attacks may also occur.
Possible complications
A very dangerous condition in asthma is asthmatic status. This is a rather sharp deterioration in well-being, as well as the development of severe obstruction, which cannot be eliminated by the use of inhaled drugs. A similar condition can occur with improperly conducted therapy, severe psycho-emotional overstrain, physical exertion, as well as the penetration of an allergen into the body. Children with this condition should be taken to the hospital to provide timely comprehensive care.
With a severe course of the disease, the child is disabled. If there is a favorable prognosis, then it is assigned for 2 years, followed by a comprehensive diagnosis. Otherwise, disability is established when the child reaches the age of 16.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is necessary to carry out prophylaxis. It means strengthening the immune system, as well as normalizing the well-being of the child. If asthma is genetic in nature, then preventive measures should be mandatory.
Breastfeeding is very important, it is advisable to extend it as long as possible. If this is not possible, then you need to choose the most adapted mixture. The introduction of complementary foods is possible only after the approval of the doctor and in strict sequence. It is necessary to eliminate the allergens present in the house, and also often carry out airing and not start animals at home.