SPECIAL REVIEWS

Abstract

The management of the child with chronic asthma is discussed. The importance of possible prophylactic measures is mentioned. Environmental control is emphasized with special reference to the avoidance of house dust, feathers, wool, animal pets and strong odors. Change of climate is not always successful and it is important to do all that one can to relieve the child in his own community before this is considered. The asthmatic child must be protected against respiratory infections. The usual measures of prophylaxis in pediatric practice must not be omitted but are all the more urgently indicated in the case of asthmatic children. Recurrent lymphadenoid tissue in the nasopharynx following adenotonsillectomy is discussed in its relationship to bronchial asthma. The possible use of physiotherapeutic measures for the prevention of asthmatic chest deformities and for assisting in the relief of chronic bronchial asthma is mentioned. Psychosomatic factors are important and consist chiefly in giving the child a sense of security by means of a thorough understanding by the parent of the symptomatic treatment of asthma; the avoidance of coddling or rejection of the child; and teaching the child to excel in some special field so as to experience a feeling of superiority in competition with non-asthmatic children. The asthmatic child should be aided in the selection of a career in which, if asthma persists or recurs, the earning of a living will not be impossible. It is pointed out that the nature of the asthmatic problem is such that special facilities should be made available for research in all phases of the problem.