Prediction of Asthma Exacerbations in Children

Abstract

Asthma exacerbations are common in asthmatic children, even among those with good disease control. Asthma attacks result in the children and their parents missing school and work days; limit the patient’s social and physical activities; and lead to emergency department visits, hospital admissions, or even fatal events. Thus, the prompt identification of asthmatic children at risk for exacerbation is crucial, as it may allow for proactive measures that could prevent these episodes. Children prone to asthma exacerbation are a heterogeneous group; various demographic factors such as younger age, ethnic group, low family income, clinical parameters (history of an exacerbation in the past 12 months, poor asthma control, poor adherence to treatment, comorbidities), Th2 inflammation, and environmental exposures (pollutants, stress, viral and bacterial pathogens) determine the risk of a future exacerbation and should be carefully considered. This paper aims to review the existing evidence regarding the predictors of asthma exacerbations in children and offer practical monitoring guidance for promptly recognizing patients at risk.

The Skin Sebum and Moisture Levels of Children with Allergic Diseases: How Predictive Are They for House Dust Mite Allergy?

“…Asthma is one of the most common allergic and chronic diseases in childhood [6]. The most common symptoms of asthma include recurrent attacks of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort [7,8]. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by the inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose when exposed to allergens.…”