Respiratory care clinics of North America
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Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of childhood. While specialists should care for the most severe individuals with this disease, the bulk of pediatric asthma care rests in the hands of the primary care physician. This Article details information that should be incorporated into the evaluation and management of the pediatric asthma patient in the ambulatory setting. Through the adoption of proper assessment and monitoring techniques in conjunction with optimal treatment strategies, our pediatric asthma patients should be able to attain the quality of life that all children deserve.
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Children with asthma frequently receive care in the emergency department (ED). The factors associated with presentation to the ED are complex and must be considered when developing a treatment plan and disposition. ⋯ Objective measures should be used where possible to assess the response to therapy and determine readiness for discharge. This Article reviews the essential components of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of pediatric asthma in the ED, and it reviews the key elements of discharge planning.
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Respir Care Clin N Am · Mar 2000
ReviewMechanical ventilation for children with status asthmaticus.
Status asthmaticus is the most common diagnosis leading to hospital admission in childhood. Most of these patients respond well to oxygen, steroids, beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and other medications. ⋯ This Article discusses the pathophysiology of asthma and how that relates to appropriate ventilator management. Alternative therapies are briefly discussed.