Asthma Prevention

Overview

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness, coughing particularly at early morning or night. This condition is due to airflow obstruction which is reversible with the administration of a bronchodilator. The diagnosis of asthma in children is made largely upon the patient's history, and patterns of symptoms. Positive family history and having allergies may be predictive. The management for asthma should follow the step up and step down guidelines. Generally, rapid-acting beta-agonist, an inhaled corticosteroid, leukotriene modifier, SR Theophylline, oral corticosteroid, and Anti IgE are the choices of medications available. These medications are given accordingly based on a patient's symptom response to the medications.