Child Asthma Treatment

Research Paper # 101557

Biology
Child, Youth Issues
Medical and Health

This paper discusses recent treatment trends in chronic childhood asthma.

1,300 words () | 7 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The writer maintains that treatment is based on as many factors as possible and also is based on a holistic view of the child since asthma may be a possible risk factor and linked with psychosocial development. The writer points out that assessment must be focused on what triggered the asthma episode, and treatment is always aimed at control, but control denotes giving the child long-term control over his/her life. The writer concludes that treatment for asthma is on a continuum and is aimed at control or management.

Outline:
Introduction
Asthma as a Current Issue
Pathophysiology of Asthma
Treatment
Summary

From the Paper:

"Treatment of asthma is not directed at cure but at control. Control of asthma leads to reduced and infrequent symptoms and allows the child to have an active life as well as quality of life. The optimal management of asthma requires adequate evaluation of the child and his or her environment. Asthma control is achieved through assessment based on specific criteria. The nurse practitioner must be able to identify the symptoms of asthma accurately because symptoms often are mistakenly prioritized. Wheezing, for instance, is commonly regarded as the most common characteristic of asthma. However, coughing is present even in hidden asthma, and frequent coughing or respiratory infections indicate the likelihood of asthma. Coughing which follows running or crying may indicate asthma as well as a recurrent night cough. Recurrent night cough is common, as asthma is often worse at night. Chest tightness and shortness of breath are symptoms of asthma that may be observed alone or in combination with other symptoms. Other common symptoms are nasal flaring, fatigue or irritability."

Sample of Sources Used:

American Lung association (2006). Improving life: One breath at a time. Accessed November 25, 2006. http://www.lungusa.org
Becker, A. & Berube, D. (2005). Canadian Pediatric Asthma Consensus Guidelines, 2004. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 173 (6), S12-S15.
Berz, J. & Klein, K. (2005). Children's asthma: Internalizing problems and social functioning. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 18 (4), 181-198.
Butz, A., L. Syron & Johnson, B. (2005), Home-based asthma self-management education for inner city children. Public Health Nursing, 22 (3), 189-199.
Karger, A.G. (2000). Pathophysiology of asthma. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 12, 25-32.