Allergic asthma is a common long-term illness in children. The main symptoms are frequent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Allergic asthma is diagnosed by pediatric allergy specialists. The question of “How is allergic asthma treatment done after diagnosis of allergic asthma?” comes to mind. In this article, we have explained the treatment of allergic asthma.
Correct Diagnosis is Important in the Treatment of Allergic Asthma
For the treatment of allergic asthma, the correct diagnosis must first be made. Because, if the correct diagnosis is not made, asthma medications have been used for many years unnecessary. In addition, if the diagnosis of allergic asthma is missed, it will cause frequent recurrence of the disease and unnecessary antibiotic use. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of allergic asthma is very important.
Allergic Asthma Treatment Has Five Steps
Allergic asthma treatment; It consists of five steps: prevention, medication, allergy vaccine, complementary therapy and education.
Prevention Therapy in Allergic Asthma Treatment
The protection phase in the treatment of allergic asthma is the protection treatment against the factors that cause and trigger allergic asthma. In the prevention treatment, there are methods of protection from allergens, protection from triggers and conditions that cause allergic asthma development.
Avoiding Allergens
When it comes to allergen prevention treatment, the protection of the child from allergens that cause allergic asthma comes to the fore. For example; If there is a house dust mite allergy, prevention measures should be taken from mites. Pollen prevention measures should be taken if there is an allergy to pollen.
– Protection from Triggers
The most important protection against triggers is against flu. For protection against influenza, a flu vaccination may be recommended in September, which is before the flu season. Children with allergic asthma are very sensitive to odors. For this reason, it will be beneficial to avoid perfumes with pungent scents, to clean with non-perfumed detergents, and to prefer odorless cleaning materials.
In young children, reflux is also a triggering factor, and reflux treatment is recommended for children with signs of reflux.
If there is allergic rhinitis, treatment of allergic rhinitis should be given together; If eczema is present, administering eczema treatment increases the success of allergic asthma treatment.
– Causes of Allergic Asthma Should be Avoided
Obesity in particular contributes to the development of allergic asthma. Because, fat cells in obese children release some substances that cause asthma. Therefore, it will be beneficial for those with obesity to lose weight and avoid obesity.
During periods of intense air pollution, paying attention not to stay outside and open the windows will be beneficial for preventive treatment.
Unnecessary antibiotic intake should be avoided. Especially in the first 2 years of age, using unnecessary antibiotics increases the tendency to asthma.
Drug Therapy in Allergic Asthma Treatment
There are two types of medication in the treatment of allergic asthma: relaxing and curative treatments.
– Reliever Medication Treatment in Allergic Asthma Treatment
In the reliever medication treatment, medications provide relief in cough and breath tightness by expanding the bronchi. It is used for 1-2 weeks only in periods of cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.
– Therapeutic Treatment in Allergic Asthma Treatment
In the curative treatment of allergic asthma treatment, there are drugs that contain and do not contain cortisone. These treatments are used to correct the damage to the lungs caused by allergic asthma. It is used for a long time. Dose adjustment should be such that it does not harm the child. Drugs containing cortisone will not be harmful if given according to the age of the child.
– Allergy Vaccine Treatment in Allergic Asthma Treatment
Allergy vaccine is an effective treatment for children in the treatment of allergic asthma. Allergy vaccines are of two types: sublingual and subcutaneous injection vaccine. There are 3 types of sublingual vaccine: drop, spray and tablet vaccine. Sublingual spray vaccine can be applied after 3 years of age. Sublingual drops, tablets and subcutaneous injection vaccines are used in those older than 5 years of age. Sublingual vaccines have less side effects. Subcutaneous injections are a more effective treatment method. Allergy vaccines accustom the body to allergies that cause allergic asthma and increase immunity and prevent damage to the bronchi. As a result, it reduces or even eliminates the need for medication. Allergy vaccines contain no cortisone and hormones, only allergens.
– Complementary Therapy in Allergic Asthma Treatment
Complementary therapy in the treatment of allergic asthma; Supportive therapy is called complementary therapy, in addition to prevention, medication and allergy vaccine. Many methods have been applied, but no significant benefit has been found scientifically. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, bioresonance and homeopathy have not been found to be scientifically beneficial. There are data suggesting that only buckwheat honey and ginger can be beneficial among herbal treatments. Other treatments do not have any significant benefit.
– Training in Allergic Asthma Treatment
Education is very important in the treatment of allergic asthma. Because, it is very important to be educated about how to use the drugs and to use the drugs correctly. Otherwise, misuse of drugs will result in treatment failure. It is important to educate children with allergic asthma in prevention, medication and vaccine treatment.
As a result;
- Correct diagnosis is important for the treatment of allergic asthma.
- Allergic asthma treatment has five steps; prevention, medication, allergy vaccine, complementary therapy and education.
- The success of the allergy vaccine is good for children.
- Education of how to use drugs is very important in the treatment of allergic asthma.