Paediatric Asthma

Sumadiono

Dept of Pediatric

Fac of Medicine UGM

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What is Asthma?

• A chronic inflammatory disorder of the

airways

• It is treatable, but not yet curable

• It is not the same as allergies, but

allergies MAY cause asthma

• Not contagious

• Can be life-threatening!

The Impact of Asthma

Night cough, disturbed nights

Restriction in activity / exercise

Increased school absences

Effect on physical, psychological and social

Asthma obstr.flvangioedema.flv

Asthma Triggers

• Infections (eg colds and

viruses)

• Smoke

• Exercise

• Pollens/moulds

Differential Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Asthma Medications

Common Asthma Triggers

Allergens

• Molds

• Dust

• Animals

• Pollen

• Food

• Pests

(cockroaches)

Irritants

• Secondhand

smoke

• Strong odors

• Ozone

• Chemicals/cleaning

compounds

Other asthma triggers

Viral respiratory infections

• colds

• flu

• often worse at night after lying down

Exercise

Changes in weather

• cold air

• wind

• humidity

Other Indoor Triggers:

Household Products

• Vapors from cleaning solvents (non-water based), paint, liquid bleach, mothballs, glue

• Spray deodorants, perfume

• bleach, pesticides, oven cleaners, drain openers, aerosol spray products

Review of Actions to Control

Asthma

• Make sure everyone with asthma has a

Asthma Action Plan

• Be aware of medicines used to treat

asthma and have emergency contact

numbers in case of asthma episodes

• Control the environment to prevent

triggers: dust, pests, mold,

secondhand smoke, strong odors and

cleaning solvents