HOSPITALIZATION OF A CHILD WITH ALLERGIC ASTHMA

A mother should not waste her time trying to fight off her child's asthma attack. She should put him to sleep in a dust-free bedroom that contains no animals, feathers, or odors, and give him large quantities of fluids to drink, together with an antihistamine cough mixture that does not contain any codeine. If the attack is strong, she should give him an aminophylline preparation by mouth or rectally. If three hours pass and the attack does not subside, she should give the child an injection of adrenalin which can be repeated in three hours. Any asthma attack that lasts more than a couple of days needs an antibiotic.
Asthma is considered "high risk" and should be treated in a hospital setting if the following conditions are present: recurrent status asthmaticus, early onset of asthma associated with eczema, dependence on aerosol bronchodilators, congenital chest deformity, living under unfavorable personal surroundings, absence from school for more than one month each year, aspirin intolerance, undiagnosed food or chemical sensitivity, pre-emphysema.
While in the hospital, the asthma attack usually improves dramatically in twenty-four to forty-eight hours because a change in the physical environment takes place as well as an easing of tensions.

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