Question

How can you diagnose asthma in an 8.5-year-old child? Please describe the onset and duration of the illness, current general condition, medical history, previous diagnoses and treatment experiences and outcomes.

Answer

The symptoms of asthma include coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. When the airway walls swell, mucus increases, and the bronchial tubes constrict, asthma attacks occur. During an attack, exhalation becomes difficult, leading to an accumulation of excessive air in the lungs and causing chest expansion and emphysema. Here are some common symptoms:

  1. Coughing: Commonly seen in respiratory infections, but if it persists for over a month and antibiotic treatment is ineffective, it may indicate cough variant asthma.
  2. Shortness of breath: Mild asthma may cause difficulty breathing during exercise or heavy physical activity, while severe asthma may cause difficulty breathing even at rest.
  3. Nighttime Asthma: Many asthmatics wake up at night or at dawn due to asthma, which may lead to insufficient sleep and affect learning and work.
  4. Other Symptoms: May be accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye itching, and skin allergies, which may be related to exposure to allergens. For acute asthma attacks, bronchodilators and antihistamines can be used for treatment, and in severe cases, corticosteroids may be necessary. Long-term management includes avoiding allergens, medication treatment, and self-management education.