How to manage an asthma exacerbation in a 8-year-old child?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 8-year-old daughter had an allergy, and then it got worse. She began to cough with phlegm, which resolved, but she got wheezing and a dry cough and had difficulty breathing that exacerbated during the night. Still, she is fine during the day with occasional coughing. She expelled thick but clear sputum and had nebulization for five days. She also has a previous history of asthma.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From what you have shared with me, I think your daughter has uncontrolled bronchial asthma. May I ask if she has a history of any allergy to food or medication? Does she sneeze a lot or have a runny nose? Was she ever diagnosed with allergic rhinitis? For now, I suggest giving her:

Take one tablet of Levocetirizine and Montelukast after dinner for one week.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine and Fluimucil) 100 mg sachet mix in 10 teaspoons of water three times a day for one week (to loosen the phlegm).
Nebulize at bedtime with Ipratropium Bromide and Salbutamol. Nebulize for one week (may nebulize every four hours if needed).

If there is still no improvement in three to five days, it would be best to have a physical visit with your doctor so she can adequately examine. By the way, try to get rid of stuffed toys and avoid exposure to dust, pets, and pollens. Change bed linens every week. Do not use fabric conditioner on her clothes, no perfumes, powder, or scents.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.