Change of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children.

Introduction: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a factor in predicting bronchial asthma independently of inflammation markers.

Objective: The aims were to determine the frequency and important predictive facts of BHR and the effect of prophylaxis by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) on BHR in asthmatic children.

Methods: BHR in 106 children was evaluated by the bronchoprovocation test with methacholine.

[Position of anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of childhood asthma].

Anticholinergic drugs block muscarinic effect of acetylcholine on the receptors of postjunctional membranes and so inhibit the answer of the postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. The loss of M2 muscarinic receptors function occurs in asthmatics and it contributes to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and it is not a chronic feature of asthma, instead it characterizes asthma exacerbation. The loss of M2 muscarinic receptor function in children and adults happens during antigen bronchoprovocation or during exposition of asthmatics to ozone.

[Rotavirus gastroenteritis].

Rotavirus is the main etiological agent that causes severe diarrheal diseases in newborns and young children up to two years. Every year, about one million children around the globe die of dehydration caused by Rotaviruses. The problem is even bigger in underdeveloped and developing countries.