[Bronchial asthma in children].

Asthma is characterized by increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli. A widespread narrowing of the airways is manifested as recurrent epidoses of wheezing. Asthma in infancy can be confused with different airway diseases which produce similar symptoms and changes. The patient's history, chest x-ray, measurement of specific IgE and repeated pulmonary function testing help to establish the right diagnosis. Nebulized sympathomimetic agents, theophylline and oxygen are used in the management of acute dyspnea; environmental control, dinatrium cromoglycicum, ketotifen, corticosteroids and hyposensitization prevent recurrent epidoses of wheezing.