Asthma in Infants

This is a common problem at this age and is responsible for a large number of hospitalizations and sometimes treatment in the emergency room.
The symptoms of asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, persistent cough usually with clear secretion. However, not every baby that chia has asthma! You need to investigate other causes of wheezing in this age and if the child has a tendency (risk factors) to have asthma in the future.
The main indicators that the baby can persist with the symptoms of asthma are:
• Parents who smoke at home
• Mother who smoked during pregnancy
• Parents with a history of asthma
• Children with atopic dermatitis have a higher risk of having asthma
• Hospitalization for acute severe bronchiolitis or wheezing
• At least 3 attacks of wheezing in the first 6 months of life
• Early exposure to allergens such as house dust, dust mites, mold, pets, increases the risk of children becoming allergic.
Treatment
Treatment should preferably be done by a specialist.
The first part is to avoid anything that causes or worsens the crisis wheezing like dust mites, mold, pet dander, perfumes, cigarette smoke and pollution, cleaning products, paint, chlorine. The room should be clean and airy, without carpets, curtains, stuffed animals and anything that can collect dust!
The drugs are many and should be used at the right dose at the right time to avoid side effects:
• Bronchodilators: given only during the attack of wheezing! The drugs given during nebulization take effect faster and safer than syrups. Unwanted effects, but are expected tremors and racing heart.
• Anticholinergics: data in mist, help decrease secretion.
• Antileukotrienes: easy to administer once a day in the form of chewable tablets or powder for oral ingestion can be used after 6 months of life.
• Anti-inflammatory inhaled: are useful for preventing wheezing episodes! Need to be used every day even when the child is well, that the lung remains without inflammation. Used in children who have frequent crises, weekly! Corticosteroids are in this group and are very effective, but very low in ages (under 6 months) use can cause complications in growth. In other children are very safe and effective should be given in nebulizer or spacer. The correct technique should be guided by your doctor for the drug to reach the lungs properly and have the expected effect.
• oral and injectable corticosteroids: useful only in major crises, they can cause problems if used for long periods.
The prevention of asthma in infants is to avoid anything that could sensitize the child ie, smoke and allergens in the home environment of the home must be checked! Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age also helps in the prevention of asthma.
Prevention
The prevention of asthma in infants is to avoid anything that could sensitize the child ie, smoke and allergens in the home environment of the home must be checked!
Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age also helps in the prevention of asthma.