[Antiallergy drugs and respiratory diseases in children].
Second generation antihistamines (anti H1) are effective for seasonal and perennial rhinoconjunctivitis curative or preventive treatment in children. They are better tolerated than first generation drugs. They probably do not act specifically against asthma itself, but are nevertheless useful for relief of nasal obstruction, which is an asthmogenic factor frequently linked with bronchial asthma. The therapeutic relevance of oral ketotifen and inhaled chromones (sodium cromoglycate, nedocromil sodium) is unequally considered among pediatricians. However, their efficacy has been clearly demonstrated as a ground treatment in mild-to-moderate asthmatic children. Chromones are also useful in preventing exercise-induced asthma. Because of their low cost and the lack of potential side effects, and according to the guidelines established in 1997 by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, they should be prescribed at first sight in these indications.
Donato
L
L
Service de pédiatrie, hôpital de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France.
Kuhn
P
P
Cerveau
C
C
Charles
X
X
Chognot
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D017835:Nedocromil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D017835:Nedocromil; D007665:Ketotifen