Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system that causes inflammation and narrowing of the respiratory airways. Asthma is the leading cause of school absences in children. Most children with asthma breathe normally most of the time, but certain substances or conditions can trigger an asthma attack. Treatments for this disease focus on relieving the symptoms of an asthma attack and preventing asthma attacks.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Many cases of asthma in children are associated with particular triggers: substances or conditions that cause an asthma attack. Triggers for asthma include animal hair or dander, cold weather, exercise, pollen, mold, tobacco smoke, aspirin or other medications, and viral infections. Patients should avoid any known asthma triggers.
Beta-2 Agonists
Inhaled beta-2 agonists are an important method of treatment for acute asthma attacks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. This medication is given in a nebulizer, which is a special type of inhaler commonly prescribed to children. Beta-2 agonists are used only as a short-term treatment for asthma. These drugs relax the muscles in the airways and prevent them from narrowing. Examples of beta-2 agonists include albuterol and levalbuterol.
There are long-acting beta-2 agonists that can be used to prevent future attacks of asthma in children. However, these drugs are not often used because these drugs are not as effective as other long-term medications. They may also exacerbate the asthma if patients take them for an extended period of time.
Corticosteroids
Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two examples of corticosteroids, drugs used to combat asthma attacks and to prevent future attacks, according to MedlinePlus. Corticosteroids can be used as both a short-term and long-term treatment for asthma. These drugs are usually given orally or intravenously. Corticosteroids are able to reduce the swelling of the airwaysto during an asthma attack and prevent future swelling in the patient's airways.
Theophylline
Theophylline has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and increase lung function, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians. This medication has been shown to be useful in kids suffering from a severe asthma attack, although it is not commonly used. Theophylline is not used as a long-term treatment for asthma, because it can cause numerous adverse side effects in children, including cardiac arrhythmias and convulsions.
