Allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma, is a type of asthma that is triggered by allergies in people with this condition, mainly affecting children. Prof. Dr. Ricardo Meza, head of Pediatrics at the Hospital de Clínicas, pointed to prevention and care, addressing climate and temperature changes in our country, causing variability not only in the weather, but also in the respiratory tract .
“The cold, in addition to having other components such as wind, drizzle, humidity, generates irritative behaviors on the airway, which causes alterations in the respiratory dynamics of children, also in adults, but mainly in children. Asthmatic disease is a disease with an inflammatory component, frequently associated with some type of allergy, and this inflammatory component has to do with very specific symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or wheezing; and in relation to this, the cold behaves in such a way that it increases the secretion or mucus, as well as the dryness of the airway, and therefore the inflammation and all this translates into disease, which we can also associate to the high circulation of respiratory viruses that we are having, and to the months without rain that keeps us in a dry environment”, he expressed.
The specialist stated that asthmatic disease fundamentally affects the bronchial tubes, causing respiratory symptoms and these in turn also have repercussions regarding the functionality of the child in the school environment, in daily activities, and for parents in the workplace.
Predisposing factors
Asthma is a disease that is related to allergenic substances, which are generally from the environment, such as house dust, mites, the hair of certain animals such as cats or dogs, and substances that could be dispersed within the environment and that act as irritants, such as aerosols, smoke, droughts themselves, among other factors.
“Inside a house that is usually closed and that does not have good ventilation, there may be triggering factors such as fungi or molds that remain impregnated by the walls in the most humid and poorly ventilated places, where they can be dispersed in the form of inhalants, and that is breathed in and can cause allergic-type sensitivity”, he explained.
Prof. Meza indicated that asthma can also have a conditioning factor and be associated with lung diseases caused by infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, which are preventable complications with a complete vaccination schedule; but unavoidable due to the environment of attendance such as nurseries, school or college, which makes it more rapidly circulable and contagious, making it more prone to manifestations of the disease. “In case the asthmatic already has a respiratory condition with which he will have to live, that if we do not have the pertinent care we can lead to complications”.
Care and recommendations
Above all, maintaining good home hygiene is essential. It should be taken into account that it is not convenient for children or people suffering from this type of disease to live with stuffed animals, curtains, rugs, especially fabrics that are plush, very hairy.
“In any case, you should opt for materials that are more of a cotton type, with little hair, anti-mite products; maintain frequent hygiene of the environment; remove dust with a damp cloth, clean when allergic people are not in the house; keep the house ventilated, it is necessary to circulate the air; avoid utensils such as braziers, which expel carbon monoxide, highly toxic to health; maintain a regulated room temperature of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius; As for air conditioners, check the maintenance of their filters, which at the time of use can release dust, hair and others, and this can cause serious illnesses with vital commitment; We must bear in mind that due to a matter of cleanliness and hygiene that can be prevented, we suffer consequences from the point of view of health.“, plot.
Asthma is a treatable and controllable disease, the doctor pointed out, but stressed that it is important to maintain safety and hygiene measures, and if it is necessary to use a mask, keep the child’s vaccination schedule up to date, and other doses certain that are advised, so that the manifestations of the disease and complications decrease.
The Pediatric Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas has allergist specialists, who attend from Monday to Saturday, after scheduling at the UPA window, and after consulting with the clinical pediatrician, who will first evaluate the patient and make the corresponding referral.
