Question

6 yo boy is brought to the peds clinic by his mother for an evaluation of his asthma. He coughs about 3 days out of the week with at least 2-3 nights of coughing. Which of the following is the most appropriate tx

Answer 1

The most appropriate treatment for a 6-year-old boy with frequent asthma symptoms is a combination of long-term control with inhaled corticosteroids and immediate relief using short-acting beta-agonists as needed. OTC cough medications are not recommended for children with asthma.

Step-by-step explanation:

Treatment for Asthma in Children

A 6-year-old boy with asthma who coughs about 3 days a week and experiences 2-3 nights of coughing likely requires a step up in his asthma management. Since asthma attacks involve symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, a combination of long-term control medications and fast-acting relief options is beneficial. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered among the most effective treatments for long-term control of asthma. To address acute symptoms and prevent exacerbations, short-acting beta-agonists can be provided through an inhaler or, for young children, a nebulizer may be used.

It is important to note that over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications are not recommended in children and should not be considered an effective treatment strategy for asthma. Proper asthma management requires regular monitoring and adjustments by a healthcare provider. Additionally, avoiding known asthma triggers is critical in preventing asthma attacks and reducing symptoms.