Nocturnal asthma in children, symptoms and treatment
Van Aalderen, W.M.; Postma, D.S.; Koëter, G.H.; Gerritsen, J.; Roorda, R.J.; Waalkens, H.J.; Knol, K.
Tijdschrift Voor Kindergeneeskunde 58(1): 29-33
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-7442 PMID: 2180119 Document Number: 348101
Nocturnal airflow obstruction is a common symptom in children with asthma. The increase in airflow obstruction overnight is underassessed by children as well as their parents. Worsening of the early morning peak flow values may be an indication for an increase in airflow obstruction overnight. An increase in vagal activity does not, in contrast with the observations in adult patients, contribute to the development of nocturnal airflow obstruction in asthmatic children. However, a nocturnal increase in inflammatory mediators seems to play a role of importance. Treatment of nocturnal airflow obstruction should therefore be focussed on inflammatory processes in the lungs.