What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease of the bronchi (airways) that can appear at any age. The bronchi are ducts that allow air to enter the lungs. They behave like a tree and its dividing branches becoming smaller and smaller. When the disease is controlled the bronchi are open and air enters and leaves perfectly. In the case of an asthmatic crisis the caliber of the bronchi decreases and the air enters and leaves with difficulty.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Your child may have all, some, or only one of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing (rapid breathing, labored breathing, agitation)
- Whistling while breathing
- Choking sensation
- Dry cough preferably in the afternoon or evening hours
- Cough with exercise
Remember that there are situations that can trigger an asthmatic crisis. It is important to identify and avoid triggers:
- Respiratory infections.
- Emotions.
- Physical exercise.
- Season changes.
- Environmental Pollutants: Tobacco smoke, aerosols
- Unknown
Medical treatment of asthma
Quote:
Inhaled corticosteroids are used. They are used to decrease the number and severity of asthma attacks. It is in daily use even if the child feels good. They should not be discontinued even if the child receives another medication. Remember that with adequate doses have no effect on the rest of the body. Aerobar aerosols (eg budesonide) are used.
Asthma crisis (increased bronchial obstruction):
It is recommended at home to start treatment with inhaled salbutamol, two pufs (applications) every 4 hours. If for some reason you do not use airbrush sprays, you can use nebulized salbutamol using the amount of drops recommended by your pediatrician diluted in 3 cm3 of saline solution. Remember that the recommended doses do not produce adverse effects.
How is an aerosol dispensed?
1- Shake the spray. Then insert it into the rear base of the aerocamera. (Fig. 1).
2- Place the mouthpiece inside the mouth (Fig. 2) or the mask over the mouth and nose and press the spray. (Fig. 3).
3 – Inspire and exhale slowly through the mouth if it is an oral air-chamber (Fig. 4) or mouth and nose if it is an air-chamber with mask (Fig. 5), counting up to ten slowly.
Clean the air-chamber every 3-4 weeks with warm water and detergent and allow to dry at room temperature.
Remember to control the environment where the child lives
- Tobacco smoke: Do not allow smoking in your home, around your child, or in the places where the child attends.
- Aerosols: Avoid the use of ambient aerosols, glass cleaners, hair fixatives. Avoid burning incense in rooms and spirals
- Dust: Avoid using bleach or ammonia. Wash all stuffed animals monthly. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not bar in the presence of the child.
- Pets: animals should not be inside the child’s room or sleep in their bed.
