Question
What treatment methods are there for pediatric allergic asthma? My nephew is 4 years old and has been having throat discomfort since recovering from a cold a month ago. The main symptoms are occasional coughing, especially a gurgling sound in the throat before bedtime. After being diagnosed by a doctor as allergic asthma, he has been taking medication for half a month without any significant improvement. Which hospital in Guangzhou is more authoritative in treating this condition? What are the good methods of treatment for this disease? Please advise!!
Answer
Repeated attacks of pediatric asthma can sometimes be life-threatening, but parents of children with this condition need not be overly anxious because current medical care measures can prevent asthma. First, it is necessary to identify the allergen. One can go to a hospital for a skin prick test. There are many allergens, such as pollen, alcohol, gasoline, mites, dust, etc. Some children may be allergic to one substance while others may be allergic to several. Many studies have shown that not all asthmatic patients can find their allergen, and not all allergic rhinitis patients develop asthma. If an allergen can be found, reducing exposure or avoiding it can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Secondly, it is important to provide the child with adequate nutrition, such as sufficient protein (but be mindful if the child is allergic to certain proteins), and to eat more vegetables and avoid giving the child anorexia or picky eating habits. Thirdly, it is important to exercise the child’s body from a young age and spend time outdoors every day to breathe fresh air. Infants can do passive exercises while older children can do their own exercises, walking or jogging to strengthen lung function. Fourthly, it is important to pay attention to the child’s temperature changes, especially during seasonal changes and cold weather, and to adjust clothing in time to avoid upper respiratory infections. Lastly, it is advisable to keep some medication at home, such as bronchodilators like aminophylline, epinephrine or aerosol inhalers like salbutamol, which can be used immediately during acute attacks.