Pediatric Management Plan
Pediatric asthma
Pediatric asthma is a chronic illness that affects children aged 0-4 years. It’s an inflammatory disease that causes the air pipes to grow sensitive to allergens, making children develop allergic reactions. The moment the child is exposed to these allergens, the air pipes muscles tighten excretion of mucus increases, and the air pipes are plugged with mucus. The pediatric branch of medicine is in charge of treating and controlling pediatric asthma. The physical examination findings include unproductive cough, wheezing when exhaling, fast, and distress in breathing. Children who portray these signs and symptoms could also be diagnosed with pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, foreign body aspiration, or Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Diagnostic testing includes a lunch function test, also called spirometry, which measures the amount of air exhaled and how quickly. Broncho provocation measures how the lungs react to provocations, such as exercise or cold air. These tests examine if the lungs are functioning correctly or they are straining and causing short breath allergic asthma are tested by exposing a child to an allergen. Then the doctor observes the body’s reaction to the allergy. Medication use can be fluticasone, mometasone, and alvesco. Follow up should be done where the chid’s breathing is observed as she sleeps at night, and after undertaking physical activities. Lung function tests are also done after the medication is completed. If medication does not work, the doctor can recommend an exhaled nitric oxide test or refer to a specialist.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d). Childhood Asthma. retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases–conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351513
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. (2018). Environmental Triggers for Asthma Differential Diagnosis of Asthma. retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=32&po=5
Aalderen, W. V. (2012). Childhood Asthma: Diagnosis and Treatment. Scientifica (Cairo). NCBI