Besonderheiten des kindlichen asthmas

Translated title of the contribution: Asthma in children - Is it different?

E. Herting*

*Corresponding author for this work
4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Asthma is the most commonly observed chronic disease in childhood and the incidence has been increasing in industrialized countries over the last decades. Airway obstruction due to increased sensitivity of the small airways, mucus production and chronic inflammation are key features in the pathophysiology of asthma. Environmental and genetic factors predispose for the disease, which is clinically characterized by sudden occurrence of episodes of expiratory airway obstruction (wheezing). In the majority of preschool infants such obstructive episodes are triggered by viral infections (especially during the winter season) and do not necessarily predispose for asthma later in adulthood. Patient and family history (e.g. atopy), good clinical examination and differential diagnosis (e.g. exclusion of cystic fibrosis) are of prime importance as the role of lung function measurements is limited as the disease frequently occurs before the age of 5 years. Information about asthma is important for children, parents and caregivers. Acute and chronic medication should control asthma symptoms and allow the affected child to lead a normal life including physical exercise.

Translated title of the contributionAsthma in children - Is it different?
Original languageGerman
JournalInternist
Volume49
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)1326-1334
Number of pages9
ISSN0020-9554
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11.2008

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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