[Allergic bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis: clinical aspects and therapy]

Abstract

Bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis are the most common chronic diseases in childhood. On the bases of bronchial hyperreactivity many factors can trigger asthma. In children at preschool and school age allergy plays the most important role. The typical asthmatic attack is rarely missed, but frequently recurrent, irritant coughs at night or after physical exercise are misinterpreted. In the present article clinical picture, diagnosis and today's treatment of allergic asthma are discussed. The most important therapy consists of inhalation with efficacious drugs at the time of an acute attack and is continued as a prophylaxis in cases of perennial asthma. Allergic rhinitis does fortunately not take the threatening course of asthma, but its symptoms can reduce the well-being and the quality of life of a child. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is easy and rarely missed. The current therapy - like asthma-therapy - consists of avoidance of any known provoking factors in addition to topical application of drugs interacting with mast-cells and corticosteroids and to oral non-sedative histamines.