Asthma and other respiratory conditions in Child and Adolescent

Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems in Child and Adolescent is a practical, evidence-based course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage common pediatric respiratory conditions. Delivered in four detailed units, the course focuses on asthma, croup, bronchiolitis, and community-acquired pneumonia.

Unit 1: Asthma - Introduction and Diagnosis
This unit provides an in-depth overview of pediatric asthma, including:
- Key characteristics such as chronic airway inflammation and variable airflow limitation.
- Diagnostic criteria based on age, spirometry findings, and clinical features.
- Risk factors and common triggers, including environmental and genetic factors.
- Patterns of asthma, categorised by frequency and severity.
- Differential diagnoses, particularly in children under six years, where viral wheeze and structural anomalies can complicate diagnosis.

Unit 2: Asthma Management
Dive into comprehensive asthma management strategies, including:
- Principles of care, such as trigger management, medication adherence, and the use of asthma action plans.
- Age-specific approaches for infants, preschoolers, and older children.
- Stepwise treatment plans, incorporating relievers, preventers, and combination therapies.
- Managing acute exacerbations with detailed guidance on mild, moderate, and severe asthma attacks, including the use of salbutamol, corticosteroids, and oxygen.

Unit 3: Croup and Bronchiolitis
This unit addresses two common respiratory conditions in children:
- Croup: Learn to identify mild, moderate, and severe cases through clinical features such as barking cough, stridor, and breathing difficulty. Explore management options from dexamethasone for mild cases to nebulized adrenaline for severe presentations.
- Bronchiolitis: Understand this viral lower respiratory tract infection affecting infants. Learn to manage mild cases at home and recognise when hospital admission is required due to dehydration or hypoxia.

Unit 4: Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Explore the clinical presentation and management of CAP in children, including:
- Common pathogens by age group, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma.
- Diagnostic criteria based on clinical findings like fever, cough, and tachypnea.
- Treatment approaches, emphasising high-dose amoxicillin and alternative antibiotics for penicillin allergies.
- Indications for hospital admission, including hypoxia, severe illness, and family factors.

This course is an essential resource for healthcare providers managing pediatric respiratory conditions, ensuring confidence and excellence in patient care.