Food allergies occur when the immune system mounts an attack on certain proteins in certain foods. The substances in the food that trigger this immune-system response are called allergens. The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that help defend the body against foreign substances. When a properly functioning immune system detects a foreign substance, […]
What Causes Food Allergy? Read More »
Very often, people mistake food intolerance for food allergy. Food intolerance is much more common than food allergy, and is the less serious of the two conditions. Food intolerance is an exaggerated or abnormal physical reaction to a food or food additive (such as an artificial coloring or preservative) that does not involve an immune
What Is Food Intolerance? Read More »
In an allergy attack, the symptoms experienced depend on where in the body histamine is released. Allergic reactions to foods most often involve the skin, the stomach and intestines (digestive tract), and the mouth and airways (respiratory system). A life-threatening reaction may involve all parts of the body including the cardiovascular system so that the individual goes
What Are The Symptoms Of Food Allergy? Read More »
A bad reaction to a food doesn’t necessarily mean you have a food allergy. For a true food allergy to be present, two things must be happen: The reaction must involve the immune system. Allergy tests determine if the immune system is involved. The reaction must create certain symptoms. Symptoms alone, however, do not prove
What Is Food Allergy & Food Intolerance? Read More »
Parents should make sure that the child plays an important part in managing his or her own asthma. For example: Small children (even 6- and 7-year olds) should know the names of the their medications, and how the medicine helps. All children over the age of 4 or 5 should know what triggers their attacks,
Helping Your Child Manage Asthma Read More »
The peak flow meter is an important device that can give you valuable information about your child’s air passages – whether air is passing through freely, or whether they are partially blocked. The meter measures how fast the child is able to breathe into it. This measurement is known as the “peak flow.” Most children
Asthma in Children: The Peak Flow Meter Read More »
Medicines are taken daily, whether or not symptoms occur, to prevent asthma attacks. The goal of these medications is to reduce the inflammation in the air passages. They are therefore called anti-inflammatory medications. These medicines need to be taken even when there are no obvious symptoms of asthma. They are particularly helpful in preventing asthma
Medicines To Prevent Asthma Attacks Read More »
The safest and most effective way of opening up the air passages in the lungs when an attack is about to start or has started is by using medications called bronchodilators. They are the “rescue medications.” These medicines are taken as soon as coughing or wheezing starts. Once the symptoms end, the child may need
Medicines To Deal With Asthma Symptoms Read More »
The medication given to prevent and treat asthma is usually inhaled, because it gets directly to the lungs, where it is needed. Depending on the child’s age, there are several different devices through which the medicine can be inhaled: Through an inhaler. An inhaler is a device in which the medication is contained in a small
How to Use Asthma Medication Effectively Read More »
For all asthma medications, it is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Here are some tips to make the most of the medication: Don’t stop the medication that is used to prevent attacks.Because the benefits of preventive medications are not immediate, parents sometimes stop giving the drug regularly or even discontinue it altogether. This
Making The Most Of The Asthma Medication Read More »
Children will learn to recognize when an attack may be coming. Here are some of the most common signs: A change in breathing pattern A runny, stuffy nose A cough Feeling or looking tired An itchy, scratchy throat Headache Bad mood Difficulty sleeping Stomachache These are the signs of a more serious attack: The child
Recognizing When An Asthma Attack Is Coming Read More »
You will have worked out a plan with your doctor and this plan should be followed: Remain calm and confident. Give the prescribed medication. Immediate relief usually occurs after taking bronchodilator medication. This can be repeated after five to ten minutes. Encourage the child to breathe slowly and deeply. Loosen any tight clothing. The child
Handling An Asthma Emergency Read More »
