Tag Archives: asthma

Beware Florida’s Red Tides

If you have allergies or asthma, beware the “red tide” on Florida beaches. Just one hour on the beach during an algae bloom can cause a ten percent decrease in lung function and trigger asthma symptoms. As if decreased lung function wasn’t bad enough — it can take as long as five days for an asthmatic or susceptible person’s lungs to return to normal. Just one hour of exposure to a red tide has a lasting impact on your body. Even people without asthma may experience watery eyes, a runny nose, and cough. Researchers aren’t sure what it is about … Continue reading →

Eliminate Odors In Your Home For Less

Everyone has odors and strange smells floating around their homes from time to time. Everything from diaper pails, to smelly shoes, and bathroom odors to pet odors, they all cause smells that aren’t so pleasant. With all the air fresheners, scented candles, sprays and other products available, a person could go broke trying to reduce or eliminate odors throughout the home. However there are some ways you can use everyday household items and other inexpensive products to reduce or eliminate those odors. It does not have to break the bank. Baking Soda This is the number one product for odor … Continue reading →

Ten Ways to Help Your Child with Asthma Succeed in School

A child with asthma is eligible for special education, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Some parents don’t realize that their son or daughter with asthma can receive special accommodations in the classroom to help him or her have a better experience in school. “Special Education” does not only apply to children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. Children with chronic illnesses also have the right to receive an education in an environment that is sympathetic to their needs. Here are ten accommodations which can be made in the classroom to help your asthmatic … Continue reading →

Allergies and Asthma

Allergies can trigger an asthma attack. Otherwise harmless substances (known as allergens) can sometimes cause a reaction in the immune system — allergies are your immune system’s reaction to an allergen like pollen, mold, or dust. Certain allergies can cause extra problems for people with asthma. Inhaled allergens are probably the worst for people with asthma — inhaled allergens directly affect the nasal passages and lungs and can lead to an asthma attack. People with asthma should attempt to identify inhaled allergens that they are sensitive to. You may have problems with animal dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen. Food … Continue reading →

Managing Asthma at School

You can’t be with your asthmatic child every hour of every day. Many children with asthma have symptoms during the school day! Getting the school involved with caring for your child’s asthma will help ensure that your child gets the care he needs when he has an attack. Asthma attack prevention includes making sure your child understands the disease. Explain as much as he can understand. If your child is responsible enough, make sure he knows when and how to take his medicine, how to use his inhaler properly, and how to use a peak flow meter to measure his … Continue reading →

Asthma In Children

Asthma is the number one cause of chronic illness in children. As many as twelve percent of children in the United States suffer from asthma. The disease can affect anyone at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by the age of five. Risk factors for developing asthma include: Allergies Family history of allergies Family history of asthma Frequent respiratory infections Low birth weight Exposure to tobacco smoke before and after birth Being male Watch for these symptoms if you suspect your child has asthma: frequent coughing, lack of energy during play, rapid breathing, wheezing, and complaints of … Continue reading →

Asthma: Overview

More than twelve million Americans suffer from asthma — including approximately ten percent of children under the age of eighteen. Asthma can occur at any age, but is most common in people under the age of forty. It is very common in people with allergies and those who are exposed to tobacco smoke. In a normal person’s lungs, there are bands of muscle around the airways. These muscles are normally relaxed, allowing air to move freely. In people with asthma, the bands are tight and air moves less freely. The reduced air intake can make a person with asthma feel … Continue reading →

Pinkeye

I had too many encounters with pinkeye when I was younger. Some of it was caused by allergies; some of it came from friends at school. The worst part for me was waking up and being unable to open my eyes — because the discharge had crusted my eyes shut. Pinkeye is also known as conjunctivitis. This is a redness and swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. Normally, this lining is clear. When the lining becomes irritated or infected, the lining becomes red and swollen. Most cases of pinkeye are caused by infection, chemical … Continue reading →

The Allergy Patrol

Do you or someone you love suffer from allergies? A monthly allergy patrol can help get rid of allergy triggers and help you live a little more comfortably. Use air filters on the heat vents in the rooms you use the most. You can use disposable cheesecloth — replace the cloth monthly — or pick reusable filters. Just don’t cover every vent in the house, because that can strain your heating system. Wipe down walls and ceilings once a month with a wet or magnetically charged cloth. You’ll be amazed at how much dust, dirt, and cobwebs you clear away. … Continue reading →

All About Pollen

Trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds are busy most of the year. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, plants of different kinds release tiny particles called pollen. The pollen rides on air currents, intended to fertilize other plants. Pollen is also one of the most widespread causes of allergy problems! So what exactly is pollen? Pollen is a small, round male cell released by flowering plants and grasses. An average pollen particle is less than the width of a human hair. The granules are extremely light and dry and travel by wind; pollen can drift many miles. Ragweed pollen, for … Continue reading →