Asthma is a common allergic respiratory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of dyspnea accompanied by wheezing. The bronchi exhibit chronic inflammatory and hyperresponsive states. It can be triggered by various factors. Previously, it was believed that the incidence of bronchial asthma in infants and young children was relatively low. However, recent epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence is higher among children aged 1 to 6 years, gradually declining after school age. Among initial cases, 84.8% occur in children under 3 years old. Apart from certain physical and chemical factors, the most common trigger for bronchial asthma in children is respiratory infections, primarily viral infections.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching (allergic rhinitis), throat itching, cough (allergic cough), and other prodromal symptoms.
2. May present with irritating cough and white frothy sputum.
3. Recurrent episodes of dyspnea accompanied by wheezing, predominantly at night.
4. During an attack, widespread wheezing can be heard in both lungs, with some cases presenting moist rales and hyperresonance on percussion.
5. Severe dyspnea during an asthma attack that does not improve with the appropriate use of sympathomimetic drugs or theophylline is termed status asthmaticus. Significant hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention may occur, along with sweating, cyanosis, pale complexion, or even unconsciousness.
6. Patients in the advanced stage may develop lung qi distension and pulmonary insufficiency.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

1. For general mild cases, only the examinations listed in box "A" are required.
2. For severe cases, examinations listed in boxes "A" and "B" are necessary.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. Recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, paroxysmal cough, accompanied by pulmonary wheezing sounds ≥3 times.
2. Acute attacks have a certain seasonality (more common in autumn and winter) or corresponding triggering factors (mostly allergens).
3. There is a history of asthma or allergies among second-degree relatives.
4. After using 0.5% salbutamol nebulization or 1% adrenaline 0.01ml/kg subcutaneous injection, the wheezing sounds basically disappear and symptoms are relieved within 10-15 minutes.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. General treatment: Pay attention to indoor temperature, humidity, and ventilation, maintain a comfortable or semi-recumbent position.
2. Sedation and oxygen therapy.
3. Relieve asthma.
4. Dispelling phlegm.
5. Anti-allergy.
6. Antibiotic application.
7. Avoid contact with allergens.
8. Chinese medicine Chinese medicinals.

bubble_chart Related Drugs

1. Asthma can be triggered by various allergens and different factors, so the first step is to avoid exposure to these allergens and triggering factors such as cold and exercise.
2. For general cases, oral aminophylline, inhalation of salbutamol aerosol or hormones can be used to relieve the attack.
3. For severe cases, aminophylline combined with hydrocortisone can be administered intravenously, or salbutamol aerosol can be inhaled to relieve the attack.
4. Long-term oral administration of ketotifen, tranilast, or salmeterol for 3 to 6 months can control asthma attacks. For severe cases, long-term inhalation of beclomethasone aerosol can be used.

bubble_chart Cure Criteria

1. Cure:
   1. After treatment for an asthma attack, the symptoms cease for more than one week.
   2. Wheezing sounds in the lungs disappear for more than one week.
   3. Pulmonary ventilation function—forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMF) return to pre-asthma attack levels.
2. Improvement:
   1. After treatment for an asthma attack, symptoms still occur within one week.
   2. Wheezing sounds in the lungs are intermittently heard within one week.
   3. Pulmonary ventilation function has not yet returned to pre-asthma attack levels.
3. No recovery: Symptoms and signs show no improvement.