Archive for the ‘children’ Category

Exposure To Mice Increase Risk Of Wheeze In Kids

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Children whose parents have asthma or allergies and who are exposed to mice, or to the allergens they carry, are at risk for developing wheezing, study findings in the journal Allergy suggest. An association was also observed between early mouse exposure and allergies later in childhood.

“There are few (forward-looking) studies of mouse allergen health effects in young children, write Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul, of Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues, “while recent studies have shown that mouse allergen exposure in homes of children with established asthma are highly prevalent and potentially important in both urban and suburban environments.”

Phipatanakul’s group examined the association between mouse allergen exposure and wheezing, allergy and asthma in the first 7 years of life. A total of 498 children who had parents with a history of asthma or allergies were followed from birth to age 7.

The parents were surveyed to assess mouse exposure. Dust samples were collected at age 2 to 3 months and were tested for mouse allergen levels. Allergy skin testing was performed at an average age of 7.4 years in 248 children.

Overall, 103 of the infants lived in homes with reported signs of mice during the first year of life. The authors report that mouse allergen was detectable in 31.7 percent of kitchens and 33.3 percent of living rooms.

An association was observed between parents’ reports of mouse exposure and transient wheeze, but not with persistent wheeze and late-onset wheeze.

The team notes that early life mouse exposure was not predictive of asthma, eczema, or hayfever at 7 years of age. However, infants who lived in homes with detectable levels of mouse allergen at age 2 to 3 months had a twofold increased risk of having an allergy at school age.

“From these findings, we conclude that exposure to mouse allergen may be important in exacerbating current asthma disease symptoms and general (allergy) later on in life,” Phipatanakul and colleagues write.

“It is possible,” they add, “that even short-term exposure to mouse allergen influences overall risk of (allergy) if encountered at a vulnerable time in the life cycle (e.g. infancy).”

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Walking To Find A Cure For Food Allergies

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Most children love birthday parties, but for 9-year-old Cullen Woodward, they can be a scary occasion.

Cullen is allergic to eggs, and eating a bite of birthday cake could lead to swelling, gasping, and even a trip to the emergency room.

To increase awareness and support a cure for food allergies, the Isbell Elementary School student is serving as an ambassador for the Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward a Cure, the third annual event in the Dallas area organized by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. The 2.2- mile walk is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano.

“The main reason why I like being an ambassador is because I feel like it’s really important to let people know how dangerous food allergies can be, and so that we can find a cure for them,” Cullen said.

Dallas event chairperson Amy Hasslen expects about 500 people to participate in the family-friendly walk, which will be followed by a carnival that will include bounce houses and a live band.

Hasslen is also the mother of a child with severe food allergies, a condition that is rapidly growing for unknown reasons. FAAN statistics show that about 4 percent of the U.S. population suffers from food allergies, with one in 17 children under age 3 reporting food allergies.

Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish account for about 90 percent of all food-allergies in the U.S., FAAN reports, with between 100 and 200 deaths from anaphylaxis caused by food occurring each year.

“It’s the little things that people don’t think about in every day life [that make dealing with food allergies difficult],” Hasslen said. “Our lives pretty much revolve around food, and you have to be on guard continually, because even a trace of a food allergen in something can cause a severe reaction.”

Cullen’s mother, Heather Woodward, watched with horror as her 10-month-old son’s eyes swelled shut and he began gasping for air when she gave him a hard-boiled egg for the first time. The food barely touched his lips when the reaction began.

The Frisco resident said that the hardest aspect of initially coping with food allergies is determining what is safe to feed the child.

“At that point it was like everything in the world n every bread, every baked good n had eggs in it,” Heather said. “It was a good six month learning curve to figure out what to feed your child when touching a small amount of it can make him stop breathing.”

Once the family determined what foods Cullen must avoid, the challenge became overcoming the fear of new dishes and the feelings of being excluded from classmates and friends. Cullen takes special cupcakes to birthday parties, because he cannot eat any cake or other treat baked with eggs.

“Sometimes I get teased, and I really hate that because it’s kind of scary having a food allergy,” Cullen said. “A lot of times when I go for birthday parties I really wish I could just have what other people are having, and I feel different.”

Hasslen said she struggles with her daughter experiencing the same feelings.

“The hardest part is watching your child not be able to participate in birthday parties,” she said. “They can’t eat the same food the other kids are eating.”

Through the Food Allergy Walk, Hasslen and the Woodwards are hoping to eliminate common misconceptions about food allergies and raise money for research. The Plano walk is one of 26 across the country working toward the same goals.

“We really want to have people out there supporting this and getting the word out,” Hasslen said.

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What Is Asthma?

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Asthma is a lung condition that affects the airways (bronchial tubes) of your lungs, causing the tissues lining the airways to swell and become narrow. This makes it difficult to breathe. The symptoms associated with asthma (coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath) are the result of this narrowing of the airways. The major factors contributing to asthma are inflammation of the airway lining, tightening of the muscles that wrap around the airways (bronchoconstriction), or both.

Inflammation of the airways may also be accompanied by an increase in mucous production, which also worsens the blockage of the airways. Inflammation makes the airways highly sensitive to irritants in the air such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, or animal dander.

When the highly sensitive airways become too narrow, air cannot flow easily in and out of the lungs, making breathing difficult. This leads to typical asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. This is known as an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation.

Asthma is a variable disease, which means symptoms can flare up from time to time. This means you might go for weeks or even months without experiencing any symptoms.

The best way to free yourself from asthma symptoms is to keep your asthma well controlled. Control means that your airways are not as sensitive to the allergens or irritants that can trigger an asthma attack. When your asthma is well controlled, you can lead a full, active, and healthy life with few, if any, symptoms and no days lost from work or school.

To get your asthma under control, you need the right tools. One of these essential tools is an asthma action plan. If you don’t already have one, ask your doctor. It should include: how to recognize when your asthma is getting better or worse, how much you can change the amount of medication you take, and when you should adjust the amount of medication you take. Having anasthma action plancan help you be free from asthma symptoms.

Another important step in controlling your asthma is to learn about your condition. Be sure you understand how asthma affects your body, what triggers your asthma, how to tell if your asthma is getting worse, and how to use your asthma medication. If you have any questions about your asthma, speak to your doctor.

Asthma symptoms can range in severity from mild to very severe. Symptoms can also fluctuate in frequency, vary from person to person, and change from one attack to another. Symptoms may also occur more frequently at night or in the early morning.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

* chest pain
* chest tightness
* coughing
* difficulty breathing
* shortness of breath
* wheezing

If you’re not sure if your asthma is under control, take the Asthma Control Challenge.

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Treating and Preventing Allergic Rhinitis

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen. This may mean changing your habits, or even giving away a pet or moving to another house if the symptoms are unbearable and don’t respond to medications.

If the allergen is something you can’t completely avoid, like dust mites, here are some steps you can take to make your home a haven:

* Remove furniture that collects dust (e.g., carpets, draperies, and stuffed chairs).
* If possible, use central air conditioning during high pollen and mould times.
* Put special dust mite covers on mattresses.
* Wash floors frequently with a wet mop.
* Reduce air humidity with a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 40% to 45%.
* Install a high-efficiency air filter called a HEPA filter.
* Use fungicide (e.g., equal parts household bleach and water) on sinks, shower stalls, vegetable storage areas, and garbage pails.
* Remove houseplants (a common source of mould).
* Stay indoors during high pollen times.

Keep in mind that it is not always possible to control the environment or to eliminate or avoid allergens, especially those that are airborne. Many people need medication treatment for relief. Fortunately, most people respond well to medications. The therapy of choice will depend on your symptoms, the severity of your symptoms, your past response to medications, and other medical conditions that you have, if any.

Treatment for mild symptoms is usually antihistamines taken orally (e.g., chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, desloratadine), as a nose spray (e.g., levocabastine), or as an eye drop (e.g., olopatadine). Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the medication best suited to your needs. For example, many oral antihistamines are now “non-drowsy.” People with certain medical conditions (e.g., glaucoma, prostate problems) should consult their doctor before using certain antihistamines.

It is important to know that some products contain antihistamines plus decongestants for symptom relief. Again, seeking advice from a health professional is recommended as those with medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes must use caution with these types of medications.

A corticosteroid nose spray (e.g., budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone, flunisolide, mometasone) can be tried if antihistamines aren’t working. Corticosteroid sprays can be used if rhinitis symptoms are chronic or if symptoms are moderate to severe. For seasonal allergies, some people may find that nasal sprays, eye drops, and inhalations containing sodium cromoglycate are effective in preventing allergic rhinitis if treatment is started before allergy season and used on a regular basis.

An anticholinergic nose spray (e.g., ipratropium) may also be used to help reduce runny nose symptoms. Another medication that may be tried when other medications have not worked or have not been tolerated is called montelukast. Saline nose sprays and lubricant eye drops may also help with nose and eye symptoms.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult their doctor or pharmacist before beginning treatment for allergic rhinitis.

If allergen avoidance and medical treatment for allergic rhinitis aren’t effective, allergen immunotherapy may be an option. Allergen immunotherapy may be referred to as desensitization, hyposensitization, or simply as allergy shots. Small amounts of the allergen are injected regularly while slowly increasing the dosage. The hope is that the immune reaction becomes weaker and weaker as the body gets used to the presence of the allergen.

Allergy shots are initially given 1 or 2 times each week. After about 6 months of weekly shots, maintenance treatment is started. Maintenance shots are usually given just once each month. After 3 to 5 years, some people can stop getting shots.

Allergen immunotherapy isn’t risk-free. Rarely, the person may have a system-wide immune reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. People receiving allergen immunotherapy have to wait in the clinic with a physician present for half an hour after each shot in case there is a reaction. The best time to start desensitization is at the end of the annual allergic period.

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Symptoms and Complications of Allergic Rhinitis

Friday, October 24th, 2008

Most people with allergic rhinitis know they have it, although it can sometimes be confused with the common cold.

Symptoms include runny nose; sneezing; itchy nose, mouth, throat, or eyes; and congestion. Other symptoms can also occur, such as tearing of the eyes, coughing, sore throat, wheezing, and headache.

You can usually tell seasonal allergic rhinitis from perennial rhinitis by the fact that it appears at the same time each year. Another difference is that, while seasonal allergic rhinitis often causes red eyes, perennial rhinitis tends to leave the eyes alone. Perennial rhinitis can also cause minor blockage of the ears, particularly in children.

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Consult With an Allergist or Immunologist

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

If your child has ever had an allergic reaction, or has a history of severe allergies, seek the care of an allergist/immunologist for a follow-up evaluation and to discuss treatment and environmental control options before the school year begins. An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease.

Once an allergy trigger is identified, an allergist/immunologist can provide detailed information about avoiding the substance. They also will prescribe self-injectable epinephrine, which temporarily reverses the allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs, inject epinephrine and call 911 immediately.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

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Severe Allergies in the Classroom

Friday, October 10th, 2008

AAAAI and FAAN educate about dangers of anaphylaxis

With the upcoming school year approaching, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) are asking every parent of a child with food allergies or a known insect sting allergy to alert their child’s school to the condition and have an action plan ready.

A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can be triggered by exposure to one or more allergens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Anaphylaxis can affect multiple areas of the body (such as skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system). Symptoms can include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, itching all over the body, and anxiety. The most dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and shock - all of which can be fatal.

“All school staff must be made aware of the potentially severe nature of an anaphylactic reaction,” said S. Allan Bock , MD , FAAAAI, and Chair of the AAAAI’s Anaphylaxis Committee. “Parents need to work together with teachers, coaches and school nurses to avoid triggers and act quickly if a reaction occurs.”

To protect your child, and prevent anaphylaxis, the AAAAI and FAAN encourage parents to take the following steps before the school year begins:

* Work with an allergist/immunologist to identify your child’s triggers and reinforce these to your child. If possible, provide your child with a medical bracelet or necklace that identifies his or her specific allergy.
* Tour your child’s school or childcare facility before school starts, and meet with the staff to inquire about policies regarding foods and other potential triggers brought into the classroom.
* Provide staff with information and resources to educate them about your child’s allergy. Have your child’s allergist/immunologist provide clear, written instructions on recognizing a reaction early and administering medication in case of a reaction. Inform staff to call 911 immediately if a reaction occurs.
* Teach staff when and how to properly administer medications such as injectable epinephrine, encouraging them to handle the medication and ask questions. Explain to them that they cannot delay in administering medication to your child, and that they are obligated to assist your child and to include him or her in normal school activities. Children with a history of anaphylaxis should carry epinephrine with them at all times.

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Allergies and Asthma in Recess and Gym Class

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Going back to school for the year also means recess, physical education and sports. These fun activities can take a turn for the worse if the following triggers aren’t avoided.

* Pollen - microscopic, powdery granules necessary for plant fertilization. The average pollen particle is less than the width of an average human hair. With the start of ragweed season just around the corner, it is important to remember to take your medications 30 minutes before going outside. Also, ask the teacher to close the windows in the classroom to keep the pollen from blowing into the classroom. Review Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergies for more ideas to protect your child.
* Stinging Insects - severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps nausea or diarrhea. Carry injectable epinephrine with you to help control allergic symptoms. Go to Tips to Remember: Stinging Insect Allergy for more information.
* Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) - for children with asthma it is common to experience symptoms after about six to eight minutes of physical activity. People with EIA experience coughing, wheezing, tight chest, prolonged and unexpected shortness of breath.

As many as one out of every 10 young athletes has asthma. It should not stop them from enjoying exercise or even high level of competition, but athletes of all levels need to remember to take proper precautions if they have EIA.

Patients with EIA have airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air. During strenuous activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing the cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effect of the nose.

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Allergies And Asthma In The Cafeteria

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Lunch is a time to take a break from the school books and a time to socialize with new friends, but precautions must be taken to ensure your child’s safety when it comes to allergies.

* Food allergies - have your child bring their own food to school and remind them not to share or trade food with others. Also, your child, the nurse or teacher should have injectable epinephrine and know how to use it.

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Allergies and Asthma Before School Begins

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

Given the amount of time children are away from home when attending school and the incidence of allergies and asthma, it is important that children and their families work together with teachers, coaches and school nurses to avoid asthma and allergy triggers and to deal with symptoms. Use this helpful checklist to find out what can be done before the school year starts to reduce potential allergens that may affect your child.

Schedule a meeting with teachers, coaches and the school nurse to discuss your child’s condition.
Make sure a “School Management Plan” is on file for your child at school. Here is a sample copy of an asthma management plan for your use.

* Inform the school nurse about the free “Allergy and Asthma Tool Kit for School Nurses.”
* Work together with your child’s allergist/immunologist to ensure that their medications are helping.
* Talk to your child and review what triggers allergy or asthma symptoms. Encourage them to ask their teacher for help when symptoms worsen.
* Ask your child’s allergist/immunologist to complete a “Food Allergy Action Plan” if your child has a food allergy.
* Inform school cafeteria staff and teachers of what foods to avoid and suggest safe alternatives. If possible, have your child bring a bag lunch to school, and remind them not to share food with their friends.
* Inform physical education teachers and coaches about asthma and warning signs of an asthma attack.
* Encourage your child’s physician to be an informational resource for the school.
* Make sure your child has his or her medications and peak flow meter with them at school.

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