Treatment for Pediatric Asthma
Asthma is a common medical condition in children, causing more hospitalizations and absences from school than any other medical condition. Most children with asthma breathe normally the majority of the time but experience periods of wheezing or shortness of breath, or asthma attacks. Asthma treatment in children centers on controlling symptoms and preventing attacks. Most children will need multiple medications to treat asthma, including a maintenance drug to help prevent symptoms and attacks and a rescue medication to treat acute asthma attacks.
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Steroids
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Prescription steroid medications are often used to treat pediatric asthma patients. One type of steroid, inhaled steroids, are maintenance drugs that are used daily to prevent asthma attacks and symptoms. Another type of steroid, corticosteroids, are taken orally or injected to treat acute asthma attacks.
Bronchodilators
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Bronchodilators are a quick-relief medication used to treat symptoms of an acute asthma attack, including wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Bronchodilators are available in many forms, including inhalers and an inhaled suspension dispensed by a nebulizer.
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Leukotriene Inhibitors
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Medications classified as leukotriene inhibitors are a prevention drug sometimes prescribed to children with asthma. They work by blocking leukotriene, which causes symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Other Drugs
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Other prescription drugs that are used to treat asthma include long-acting bronchodilators, nedocromil sodium and cromolyn sodium. All these medications are used as maintenance drugs to reduce symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Oxygen Therapy
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When a child is suffering a severe asthma attack, medical attention is necessary. In some cases, children may need to be hospitalized to receive oxygen therapy. In these cases, the oxygen level is constantly monitored and oxygen is given as needed.
Avoid Triggers
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One of the easiest and most effective ways to treat asthma in children is to avoid triggers such as allergens, medications, changes in weather and exercise. This will not prevent all symptoms and attacks, but it can reduce the use of rescue inhalers and other medications.
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