Asthma is one of the most common chronic airway diseases in children, with an estimated 1 in 103Someone has asthma.
Common symptoms include persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness, and difficulty breathing. A small proportion of childhood asthma cases are severe, where these children have difficulty breathing almost all the time and suffer frequent severe asthma attacks, which can even be life-threatening and require frequent hospitalisation.
Severe asthma is defined as poorly controlled asthma despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators, or asthma that requires an equivalent level of treatment to maintain control. Whether snoring is considered severe asthma also takes into account various factors, such as whether the patient is using medication correctly, whether they are complying with their doctor's instructions for medication, and whether they are exposed to known allergens and irritants. These factors can exacerbate the condition and require a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Previously, oral steroids were recommended for severe asthma. Although effective, they had side effects that could affect children's height and growth rate, and potentially lead to obesity and increased blood pressure. In recent years, a new therapy called "biologic therapy" has emerged. These novel drugs target and inhibit inflammatory factors. Biologics are administered via subcutaneous injection every two weeks. Despite their higher cost, exceeding ten thousand yuan per injection and requiring long-term use, biologics effectively control asthma exacerbations and eliminate the side effects of oral steroids.
Severe asthma attacks can be fatal, so parents should discuss a contingency plan with their doctor to know how to respond during an attack. Remind children to carry their short-acting bronchodilator with them, so they can use it immediately if asthma symptoms appear. Parents should also keep a continuous record of the child's condition, such as the frequency of using the short-acting bronchodilator, and whether they wake up at night due to coughing or wheezing, in order to observe if their condition is worsening. At the same time, avoiding allergens and second-hand smoke, and engaging in moderate exercise, can all help prevent children's asthma from recurring.
