Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

http://care.american-rhinologic.org/upper_respiratory_infections

This is the time of year for cooler weather, football games, bonfires.....ragweed, mold spores and pollen from the beautiful Bradford Pear tree. With all that going on, those that are allergy afflicted come under fire and some may fall to symptoms beyond the aggravation of a runny nose and itchy eyes.

Upper respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, strep throat, sinus infection) are more prevalent in fall months. The change of seasons are about pollination of the trees, flowers and other plant life. This extra pollen in the air is inhaled and sets off the allergy cascade. The body responds to 'invaders' by trying to kill it, seal it off or remove it from the body. In someone with allergies the specific allergen that person is allergic to will cause the process of removal to begin. Increase mucus is produced to remove the invader from the nose and bronchial tubes. The over production becomes counter productive when it becomes difficult to remove causing bacteria to stay and multiply which leads to infection.

What to do? Frequent hand washing reduces the spread of germs no matter what the infection is because spread of infection is by contact. In cooler/colder months we all stay indoors more and in groups with other people. Nasal rinses help to remove allergens before they cause havoc. Replacing air filters on a regular basis help reduce allergens in your environment and cleaning air vent in your car reduces mold spores that develop from moisture that has sat in the vents from lack of use over the past season.

To read more information on upper respiratory tract infections go here.
 http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/infectious-disease/upper-respiratory-tract-infection/

Asthma: Takes Your Breath Away

             

              http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/asthma.aspx

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) lists asthma as the most common respiratory condition in children. As of 2011, this condition affects 7.1 million children, 34 million Americans total. Treatment is not geared toward a cure but management and reduction of asthma attacks: inflammation and constriction of the airway causing difficulty to take in a quality breath.

Asthma is presented by 'attacks'. These attacks are a combination of exaggerated bodily functions that are specific to the trachea, bronchial tubes and lungs causing inflammation and constriction of the airways. This inflammation and constriction decreases the elasticity of the lungs and breathing passages causing the affected person to feel as if they are trying to breath through a pin hole. With each breath air is brought in through a narrowed airway which causes a wheezing sound, shoulder lifting with each breath due to the use of accessory muscle and anxiety because the oxygen that is inhaled does not equal to amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.

           

       http://www.crazyaboutkidspulmonaryservices.com/asthma-info.html

Attacks are brought about by irritants/allergens such as pollens, perfumes, dust and even certain foods. Testing to determine allergies and sensitivities is the first step toward treatment. Then, medication to decrease the body's response to irritants (antihistamines), keep airway open (inhaler) and manage attacks that occur despite maintenance medication (rescue inhalers).

Now with the popularity and usefulness of informative online websites and mobile apps, asthma can be more easily managed.  The following lists may help.

Websites

• http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/naep
• http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqikids.index      (air quality index for kids)
• http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/pediatric/asthma/asthma-wizard/
• http://www.asthmakids.ca/ 

For review of asthma management mobile apps go to  http://www.imedicalapps.com