Allergies And Asthma

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, […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some frequently asked questions related to asthma in children. Q: My child really wants a pet. He doesn’t seem allergic to pets, and skin tests show he’s not allergic to dogs or cats. How about it? A: In some cases, a dog or cat may seem to cause no asthma symptoms. But its presence

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to asthma in adults. Asthma is a condition in which extra-sensitive lungs overreact to certain irritating conditions called “triggers.” In asthma, the air passages of the lung are chronically inflamed, meaning they are red and swollen. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscle in

We don’t know what causes asthma. But we do know that: Asthma and allergies are likely to run in families and may be inherited. Children who have allergies at a young age may be at greater risk for developing asthma as adults. Some adults with asthma also had asthma as teenagers and as children. In