Question
In early March, a child began to have a runny nose accompanied by slight coughing. The cough worsened, and symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing appeared, especially around 6 a.m., which was the most severe. An X-ray examination confirmed acute bronchiolitis, and subsequent referral confirmed pediatric bronchial asthma. Parents inquired about the risk of infection from daily intravenous and nebulization therapy, as well as how to effectively treat pediatric bronchial asthma.
Answer
Pediatric asthma, also known as asthmatic bronchitis, is one of the common diseases in children. According to surveys in some parts of the country, the prevalence of pediatric asthma ranges from 0.5% to 2%. Asthma can occur at any age, but most patients experience their first episode before the age of 5. In pediatric patients, the proportion of those who develop asthma before the age of 3 is as high as 50%. The main goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms, reduce the frequency of attacks, and improve the quality of life. Common treatment methods include inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and antihistamines. Preventive measures include avoiding allergens, reducing the risk of respiratory infections, and improving the home and school environment, which also helps to reduce asthma attacks.