ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

Asthma in Children

Asthma in Children

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, asthma consists of the following: symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness that can occur episodically, usually triggered by a specific environmental factor; narrowing of the airways that can be completely or partially reversible; and increased reaction to specific stimuli. (Beasley et al. 2000, S466-472) Childhood asthma costs society an enormous amount, including 10 million missed school days, which in turn causes lost productivity due to parents' missed work days, and $1.6 billion annually for treatment (Delfino 2002, 573-589). The most common chronic childhood disease, asthma affects over five million U.S. children. From 1980 to 1996, asthma prevalence in the general U.S. population has increased more than 50 percent, with the largest increase reported in the younger-than-18 age group. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that lifetime asthma prevalence among children younger than 18 was 12.5 percent with a current asthma prevalence of 8.5 percent in this same age group.

Case Study

Rosie, aged 11 years, lives with her older brother and parents in a suburban area of London. Rosie is slightly overweight and prefers watching TV or reading to taking any form of exercise. She has asthma and has been using her reliever inhaler at least six times a day with no improvement in her symptoms. The increase in Rosie's asthma prevalence may be explained by several theories. One theory suggests that improved hygiene and a concomitant decrease in exposure to infectious pathogens have caused an imbalance in the normal immune response in children. It has also been suggested that an increase in indoor air pollution and an increase in exposure to indoor allergens (e.g., cockroaches, cats, dust mites, dogs, and molds) has led to more diagnoses of childhood asthma. Other explanations include early exposure to respiratory viral infections, enhanced host susceptibility (i.e., more premature infants surviving with chronic lung diseases), and a general increase in knowledge about asthma, both within the general population and the medical community, leading to more diagnoses of childhood asthma. Risk factors for developing childhood asthma include the following: living in an urban environment, race, socioeconomic status, increased exposure to allergens, and smoking.

Asthma symptoms in Rosie occured due to airflow obstruction when smooth muscles in the airways constrict in response to an inciting agent. Airway wall edema, accumulation of mucus in the airways, and the body's inflammatory response also contribute to asthma symptoms. Reduced expiratory airflow occurs due to airflow obstruction. This can be diagnosed using pulmonary function tests. Additionally, if the obstruction is reversed after the patient is given a bronchodilator, then one can feel fairly certain of an asthma diagnosis.

Aim of the Study

The aim of this case study is to provide evidence of my undersatnding of management of asthma in children like Rosie and the rationale for various interventions.

Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost Burden

In 2004, the incidence of asthma worldwide was estimated at 300 million people, and it was predicted that by ...