How to treat asthma in infants and children

  Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways dominated by reactions of eosinophils, mast cells and T lymphocytes. When irritated, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, labored breathing and wheezing occur due to swelling of the lining of the airways, increased mucus secretion and contraction of smooth muscles that narrow the lumen.  It is mainly caused by family hereditary factors, exercise overstimulation, certain non-antigenic substances, respiratory tract infection and other factors.  Clinical symptoms are often preceded by sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching (allergic rhinitis), throat itching, and cough (allergic cough). There may be irritating cough and white foamy sputum, repeated breathlessness with wheezing sound and heavier at night, and in severe cases, emphysema or pulmonary insufficiency.  Experts point out that the prevention and treatment of asthma in children is mainly to seize the “four early”, namely early detection, early diagnosis, early treatment and early prevention. About 70% of children with asthma start before the age of 3, and 50% of them develop symptoms within the first year of life.  Most adult asthma starts in childhood and is not treated reasonably, resulting in recurrent attacks and delays. The prevention and treatment of asthma is based on early detection and early treatment. Once asthma is diagnosed, it is important to seek regular treatment from a specialist.  In the daily care, experts advocate breastfeeding. Immunoglobulin A secreted by the mucosa of the digestive tract can block the absorption of allergic substances. Breastfeeding can supplement the secreted immunoglobulin A. When adding supplementary foods, reduce the foods that can easily cause allergies. The room should be clean and ventilated, smoking is strictly prohibited, and furniture should not be placed too full.  Also, during the pollen season, outdoor activities should be reduced and it is best not to have pets at home. Develop good habits, limit the amount of exercise, avoid overexertion and mental tension, stimulation.  Pay attention to the principle of “six buts”: do not eat too salty, too sweet, too greasy, too much spicy food, too much allergy-prone protein, too much.  Experts remind: for children with recurrent asthma attacks, there should be essential drugs at home, such as asthma levonorgestrel and aminophylline. For severe asthma attacks, medication should be administered at home and sent to the hospital immediately. Children who apply inhalation therapy should be skilled in the correct nebulized inhalation technique.