November 6, 2008 – 5:18 pm
Food allergies should be taken seriously; every year more people die of allergic reactions to food than allergic reactions caused by insect stings. The most common food allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. A recent study showed that up to 25% of adults believe they have a food [...]
November 6, 2008 – 5:12 pm
Asthma is an ongoing disease caused by inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightening, coughing and wheezing. In children or infants, other symptoms may indicate they have asthma, such as rapid or noisy breathing, chest congestion or grunting when nursing, complaints that their chest hurts or [...]
November 6, 2008 – 5:08 pm
Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Over half of all Americans test positive to at least one allergen. Over 35 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”. Hay fever occurs when exposure to allergens like grass, pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander cause symptoms such as sneezing, [...]
November 6, 2008 – 3:54 pm
Molds are common causes of year round allergies, as well as being frequent contributors to seasonal allergic symptoms. Molds, also known as fungus, grow on old food, decaying vegetation, window basins, shower curtains, or other surfaces that stay moist. Molds produce spores that drift in the air. When these spores are inhaled, they may cause [...]
October 17, 2008 – 12:45 pm
Stings from insects such as bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants may cause severe allergic reactions that can be life threatening (anaphylaxis). However, not all reactions to insect stings or bites are allergic in nature and not all reactions are predictions of a future reaction. Normal reactions to insect stings or bites include [...]
October 17, 2008 – 12:17 pm
Infants Elevate head of crib to an angle of 30 ° (about 6 inches) by placing bricks under head of bed. Reduce the quantity at feedings (volumes), but increase the frequency feedings. Thicken formula with rice cereal. Adults Elevate head of bed to 30° by placing bricks under the head of the bed. Eat dinner [...]
October 17, 2008 – 12:14 pm
If you have been given a prescription for a self injectable adrenaline device (Epi pen), you should carry it with you at all times. Self injectable epinephrine kits are to be used for life threatening problems, such as throat swelling, tongue swelling, or difficulty breathing. You should inject your Epi pen into the upper, outer [...]
October 17, 2008 – 12:09 pm
Increased time spent indoors during the winter months also means increased exposure to dust, pet dander, mold and other allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. Use the following checklist to guide your spring cleaning: Get rid of clutter that may be collecting dust Clean windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents thoroughly as they [...]
October 12, 2008 – 2:04 pm
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin problem characterized by xerosis (dry skin) and pruritis (marked itching). Eczema is often described as the “itch that rashes” Because eczema is chronic and difficult to control, it is a frustrating disease for both patients and their caretakers. The cause of eczema is not known, and hence [...]
October 9, 2008 – 4:50 pm
Dust Mites are microscopic living organisms that are found virtually everywhere dust collects. They live and feed on skin cells that are constantly shed by humans. People are allergic to the proteins found in dust mite excrement (feces). Mites are the most common cause of year round nasal allergies as well as being a [...]
