Lower respiratory tract disease in which the existence of an inflammation and an increase in secretions impede the airflow between the exterior and the lungs.
There is certain genetic predisposition that, together with some triggers, (pollen, mites, hair, etc.) contribute to the development of the disease.
Its manifestations are: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing and sometimes mucous expectoration.
The diagnosis is clinical through a questioning and a physical examination. An X-ray will rule out pneumonia or other causes of shortness of breath.
In mild cases, treatment with inhaled bronchodilator drugs and/or corticosteroids tends to be enough. In more severe cases, oxygenotherapy will be added as well as hospital admission (or even to intensive care).
A hospital with a paediatric department must be consulted when it is the first episode or, if the patient is known to be asthmatic, when symptoms are more severe or last longer than usual.
Warning signs: Severe difficulty breathing, drowsiness and signs of exhaustion.
- Christopher H Fanta, MD. An overview of asthma management. UpToDate. Mai 31, 2016.
- National Asthma Education and Prevention Program: Expert panel report III: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bethesda, MD: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2007. (NIH publication no. 08-4051). www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm .
- Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). www.ginasthma.org (Accessed on January 30, 2015).
- Gregory Sawicki, MD, MPH. Kenan Haver, MD. Acute asthma exacerbations in children: Home/office management and severity assessment. UpToDate. Jan 04, 2016.
- Barnes PJ. Asma. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 1669-1681.
