Page 359 - The Case Lab Book

Asthma in children:

• Asthma is one of the most common serious chronic diseases of childhood.

• Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children younger than 15.

• More than 10 million school days are missed each year due to asthma.

Medications used to treat asthma are divided into two general classes: quick-relief

medications used to treat acute symptoms; and long-term control medications used to

prevent further exacerbation.

Asthma (from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma, "panting") is a common chronic inflammatory

disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible

airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing,

coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.