Allergic Rhinitis - Risk Factor for Bronchial Asthma in Children

In recent decades, both worldwide and in our country, there is a noticeable increase in allergic diseases, including those of respiratory system - bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Epidemiological studies show that these conditions often coexist in the same patient. Allergen - specific sensitization is one of the major risk factors for the development of asthma in children. Allergic rhinitis usually precedes asthma. The premise `one respiratory system, one disease` marks a change in diagnostics and therapeutic treatment of respiratory allergies. Currently allergen-specific immunotherapy, administered in the early stage of the disease, is the only treatment that could have disease-modifying effect.The aim of this study is to analyze what proportion of children with asthma suffer from allergic rhinitis and what are the most common therapeutic schemes and practices used in the prophylaxis and treatment of the condition.For this purpose we conducted a survey among parents of children suffering from bronchial asthma on the territory of the city of Varna. Data were processes statistically based on respondent`s answers and were presented graphically. Results confirm that allergic rhinitis is a widespread disease among children with asthma and that is often neglected and not diagnosed and managed in time. Early diagnostics and adequate control of allergic rhinitis is crucial to stop the disease progression to asthma

Quality of Life in Patients with Bronchial Asthma in Childhood

Bronchial asthma is a major cause of morbidity in children in developed countries. In recent years, a large number of epidemiological studies have found an in- creased incidence of childhood asthma which makes this respiratory disorder the most frequent chronic dis- ease in childhood. Many factors are responsible for the huge incidence of asthma: triggering factors from the external environment, the use of inappropriate an- ti-inflammatory medication, lack of assistance with regard to therapeutic regimen, inadequate training of patient (family). The quality of life adolescents suffer- ing of bronchial asthma and their families often is ex- tremely deteriorated. Asthma may limit the ability of children to play, learn and sleep, to lead normal active life. Achieving disease control is the main goal of the treatment conducted. The Global initiative for asthma (GINA) defines control on asthma as minimal chron- ic symptoms, no emergency medical visits, no need of saving medication, normal daily activity, social adap- tation and school attendance.The aim of this study is to analyze the quality of life of children with asthma based on the achieved disease control. To achieve this goal a survey was conducted among parents and children of various ages in the city of Varna. Data from the surveys were processed using mathematical and statistical methods, and the results are presented by graphic images.Results show that in early childhood, when the treatment is performed under the supervision of par- ents, a well-controlled treatment is achieved compared to teenage years.Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease that is best affected in `therapeutic cooperation` between clini- cians, patients and their families. Implementation of training programs for children and parents will im- prove their compliance and execution of their indi- vidual treatment plan, and hence disease control and quality of life of patients