Pediatric Asthma: An Overview

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Pediatric Asthma
1. Anatomic Alteration Of Lungs During Pediatric Cancer
Asthma attack results in a constriction of smooth muscles surrounding the small airwaves, and
smooth muscle layers expand in size and triple their normal thickness over time. Eosinophils,
alongside certain inflammatory cells, infiltrate airway mucosa resulting in airway inflammation
and mucosal edema (Lizzo & Cortes, 2020). The bronchial mucus glands expand after being

PEDIATRIC ASTHMA 2
infiltrated by the goblet cells, causing thick, whitish, tenacious mucus that fills the airways. Air
trapping and hyperinflation development occurs resulting from smooth muscle constriction,
bronchial mucosal edema, and excessive bronchial secretions (Moeller et al., 2015.
2. Etiology And Epidemiology Of Pediatric Asthma
Suspected causes of childhood asthma may include inheritance from parents with asthma,
allergies, a viral infection like a common cold, some airway infection, and exposure to other
factors such as air pollutants like tobacco smoke (Moeller et al., 2015). Pediatric asthma is a
frequently reported severe chronic condition in infants and children. The incidences of asthma
have increased significantly in the past decade, and it is today estimated that it is found in 7% to
10% of children (Dharmage et al., 2019).
3. Diagnostic Test For Pediatric Asthma
The initial step in diagnosing pediatric asthma is the evaluation of a child's history and
symptoms. The doctor may perform tests such as chest X-ray, skin test, breathing test
(spirometry), physical examination, and detailed medical history (Lizzo & Cortes, 2020).
4. Clinical Manifestation
Pediatric asthma is characterized by shortness of breath, chest congestion, regular coughing,
especially at night or during exercise, and wheezing (Lizzo & Cortes, 2020).
5. General Management
Most symptoms associated with pediatric asthma can be controlled. The general management
strategy is to stick to medication as prescribed, identify and avoid triggers, use asthma control