Dr Adam Fox MA(Hons) Cantab.,
MSc,MB,BS,DCH,FRCPCH,FHEA,Dip. Allergy
Consultant Paediatric Allergist
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AsthmaIt is thought that over 1.1 million children in the UK suffer from asthma. The child with mild to moderate persistent asthma misses an average of 10 school days per year and the child with severe asthma misses 30 days per year. Lost school days effect the child’s self esteem, grades, sport activities, and relationships. The impact of the lost school days causes parents to miss work and be less productive when they are at work due to sleepless nights.
The role of allergens in asthma is well established and their identification, together with optimizing other treatments, will make a significant difference in a disease that can often be treated very effectively. Evaluation by an experienced allergist will allow identification of causative allergens and monitoring using sophisticated modern techniques such as computerized spirometry and exhaled Nitric Oxide measurement. This allows for the formulation of an individualized treatment plan to keep the asthma under control and provide ways of dealing with it when symptoms flare. For those who do not respond to conventional treatments, the allergist can assess the child’s suitability for a range of new treatments only just becoming available such as sublingual desensitization or anti-IgE therapy. |
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