摘要:
The premonitory symptoms of an asthma attack, or prodromal syndrome, are often neglected. Their various characteristics were studied in 88 children aged between 4 and 14, at the time of an out-patient visit or admission to an institution for asthmatic children, and considering the previous year on a retrospective basis. Thirty four children had prodromal syndromes. These were essentially respiratory in 55% of them (rhinorrhea, sneezing, dry cough), while there were behavioural problems in 18 % of them (irritability, anxiety, apathy). Sixty five per cent of prodromal syndromes began more than 12 hours before the attack. There was a certain correlation between the type and the latent period of onset. Behavioural disturbances began earliest, while cough or respiratory difficulties on effort appeared only a few hours before the attack. Several prodromal syndromes were often present in association. Eighty five per cent of children regularly had prodromal syndromes of the same type before each attack. The value of recognizing these prodromal syndromes would in particular to be able to attenuate or even stop the impending asthma attack, by early bronchodilator treatment. Closely monitored children (those staying in a special institution) and with prodromal syndromes, i.e. 23 children, were thus followed up prespectively for 3 months. The onset of the asthma attacks were evaluated. Five children had prodromal syndromes with a total of 8 manifestations. Seven times out of 8, these were associated with a fall in peak flow. A moderate asthma attack occurred 5 times out of 8. It would appear that recognition and the starting of early treatment can attenuate or even stop asthma attacks which are announced by prodromal syndromes.