Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

What is Dislocation of Bones?

A fracture means a bone is broken. In accidents, several may be affected. As bleeding, injury to surrounding structures, pain, shock or infection may all occur, emergency treatment is advisable. The key to success is to get the patient to emergency professional help as quickly as possible. Make the casualty comfortable and attend to any emergency symptoms that are amenable to first aid help.

The break in the bone is usually complete, but in children in whom growing bones are soft, it may be bent, cracked and incompletely broken (called a “greenstick” fracture).

The fracture may be closed or open (simple or compound), depending on whether it communicates with the air outside. Open fractures are more serious, for this allows contamination to enter the wound and probably the bone. Some fractures are “complicated,” which means surrounding structures, such as internal organs, blood vessels or nerves are also injured. These too are more serious, for they can lead to important complications. Fractures may be produced by direct force (such as receiving a direct blow by a car). They may be indirect, such as falling on the outstretched arm, which causes fracture of the shoulder bones. for instance. Occasionally sudden muscle contraction may cause a fracture.

Bones are well endowed with blood vessels, and any fracture, especially of major bones, is invariably accompanied by a heavy blood loss and consequent shock. (For example, a fractured femur, the large bone in the upper part of the lower limb, may hemorrhage a liter or more of blood if broken.) Pain invariably occurs. The first aider will endeavor to prevent further damage and minimize risks from blood loss, reduce pain, and if possible reduce the chances of infection.

The basic essential of immobilizing (stopping further movement) the injured part is to disturb the patient as little as possible, inflict minimum pain and avoid complications. Injured parts should be supported in a natural a position as possible.

Dislocation of Bones Symptoms

1. The fracture site is painful, swollen and bruised.
2. There is loss of function of the part, particularly noticeable in limbs.
3. The part may be obviously deformed.
4. There may be abnormal mobility of the part.
5. Shock, to some extent, is usually present. In injuries to larger bones, this may be severe.

What to Do in the Case of Fractures

1. Aim at bringing relief to the major injuries as quickly as possible, without making the condition worse, and then getting the casualty to expert medical attention (preferably the emergency ward of a large hospital) as soon as possible. Often assistance is necessary.
2. Keep calm. Don’t panic. Often the sight is distracting, and may nauseate you. Keep a cool head and act deliberately, but calmly and methodically. Rushing breeds confusion.
3. Immobilize the fracture (i.e. prevent further movement).
4. Control bleeding if present.
5. Handle gently, for it is easy to convert a simple fracture into a more complicated one.
6. Reassure the patient with words of comfort and confidence.

Dislocation of Bones Treatment

Often the use of broad bandages can help this. If not possible, narrow ones may be used. Triangular and crepe bandages are often useful in an emergency. Every effort should be made not to disturb or hurt the patient. Avoid jerking movements, particularly when bandaging or securing them.

Sometimes splints are necessary to prevent movement of the injured parts during transport. Anything that is wide, long and firm may be suitable. They should be well-padded, and securely applied, so as to immobilize the joints above and below the break.

Adequate padding will improve the efficacy of the splints, and this helps to bring relief to the patient. These can be improvised from any sort of material in an emergency.

Rather than run risks of bringing further damage to the patient (such as in suspected spinal fractures, where care in handling may be vital), it is advisable to make the patient as comfortable as possible, and call the ambulance. Ambulance officers are specially trained to handle potentially serious fractures, and know the special movements necessary. Also, some are equipped with special stretchers that can pick up the patient from the ground, thus ensuring minimum movement and risks.

Most people will not be conversant with the various first aid bandaging techniques that have been worked out for the different kinds of fractures. For practical purposes, general principles may be adhered to, and the patient transferred to expert help as a matter of urgency. Some general principles will be outlined that may be of assistance. This is not the time to teach bandaging.

However, anyone interested in learning full techniques is advised to take a St John First Aid instruction course, which gives excellent instruction in these useful techniques.

Originally posted 2010-03-08 07:10:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

In general, any direct injury to the eye – cut or puncture, blow with a ball or fist, or debris in the eye – should have immediate medical attention if there is significant pain, and/or loss of vision. If pain is minor and no serious injury is obvious, contact the doctor to determine whether your child should be seen in an emergency facility or the doctor’s office.

Eye Treatment

• Until it is seen by a doctor, keep the eye closed. This is a natural response to eye injury and helps reduce discomfort.
• If the eye has been penetrated or cut open, take the child directly to the emergency room. If there is fluid oozing from the eye, transfer the child lying flat on his back so additional fluid will not escape.
• Hold a simple shield, such as a paper cup, over the eye to protect it but don’t exert any pressure on the eye.

Chemicals in the Eye

Take prompt action whenever any chemical has splashed into the eye.

Although many materials will cause only minor irritation, some can result in serious injury or blindness if not attended to immediately. Start immediate and continued flushing with lukewarm water. A gentle flow of water should run into the affected eye(s). Hold the child under a tap or hose or carefully pour water from a glass or pitcher into the eye(s) with the child lying down. If only one eye is involved, hold the child on her side with the affected eye down so none of the chemical can accidentally flow into the other eye. You will probably need to have another adult hold the eye open while you pour the water. Use the following formula guidelines to determine how long to irrigate the eye:

• alkaline materials: 20 minutes
• acids: 10 minutes
• less reactive chemicals: 5 minutes

After the eye(s) has been irrigated, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Alkaline materials can penetrate deeply and cause serious damage. Examples of alkaline materials are drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and bleach. Look for these words on product labels:

• lye
• sodium hydroxide
• potassium hydroxide
• ammonia
• calcium oxide
• trisodium phosphate
• wood ash

Acids tend to cause more localized tissue damage but can still cause significant injury. Examples of acids are automobile battery fluid, toilet bowl cleaners, and swimming pool acid. Look for these words on product labels:

• sulfuric acid
• hydrochloric acid
• phosphoric acid
• hydrofluoric acid
• oxalic acid

Less dangerous chemicals should be washed out of the eye also. Most of these materials will cause only mild redness, stinging, and temporary swelling involving the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue lining the white surface of the eyeball and inner surfaces of the eyelid). Irrigation will lessen the irritation and probably prevent the child from rubbing the eye and aggravating the soreness. Examples of less dangerous chemicals include food, alcohol, and household soaps.

Originally posted 2010-03-10 18:44:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Most people have suffered the discomfort of a foreign body entering the eye, even minute items such as very small pieces of dust, grit, particles flying from an emery wheel (common in industry), a cinder, or grains of sand in windy weather can cause acute discomfort and distress.

There is usually a desire to rub the eye, which will invariably aggravate the problem, causing the invader to traumatize a wider area of the highly sensitive lining, or conjunctiva.

Often large objects may partially enter the eye and abrade or injure the superficial surface. This can cause considerable discomfort and a “traumatic conjunctivitis” to occur.

Foreign Bodies in the Eye Symptoms

There’s generally a lot of pain when a foreign body, irrespective of size, enters the eye. There may be redness, irritation, itch, watering and a desire to rub, which only aggravates the condition. The eye may become very light-sensitive, so the child closes the lid and rubs it.

Foreign Bodies in the Eye Treatment

Bathe the eye. Frequent bathing of the affected eye with an eyebath of warm salty water will often remove the offending foreign body.

Reflection of eyelid. If this does not remove the object, reflect (i.e. turn back) the upper eyelid over a match. Often the foreign body may be seen adhering to the inner side. It may be simply removed with the moistened tip of the corner of a handkerchief, or piece of cottonwood rolled up into a tight wick and moistened. This is usually simple and painless. If the foreign body is seen on the eyeball, it may be removed in a similar manner.

Never attempt to touch the eyeball with a needle or any sharp or solid metal object. The eye is a very precious, delicate organ, and great care is essential.

If these simple measures are not successful, seek prompt medical attention. The doctor will use other methods, and may first insert local anesthetic drops. Pieces of metal (e.g. hot metal in a factory, pieces of grit from a revolving emery wheel, pieces of metal from filings etc.) often become deeply embedded in the cornea, the “window” of the eye. These need expert assistance, and only a doctor or eye specialist should attend to these. Sometimes antibiotic drops or ointments are prescribed afterwards to prevent infection.

Foreign bodies in the eye often occur more likely on hot, windy days when there’s a lot of dust in the air. It’s common at beaches and also worse on gusty days.

Another place where serious problems may occur is in workshops where particles may fly from a grinding machine and lodge in the surface of the eyeball. These may be hot pieces of metal that can cause permanent visual impairment if they strike the cornea and injure it. Also, flashes from welding machines and corneal burns are common and extremely painful injuries that should never happen, especially to youngsters.

No child should be allowed to go into one of these places unless wearing protective goggles. It’s probably more common on farms where there’s not so much supervision, and children are often attracted to the farm workshop to “help dad.”

Bathing the eye using a simple eyebath filled with warm water (or mildly salty water) may assist. In some cases this will wash the foreign body out.

It’s worth reflecting the upper lid over a match, or a cotton wool bud applied to the outside of the eyelid. By gently grasping the eyelashes between thumb and index finger it is easy to do this. Often the offending foreign body (a tiny black speck usually) may be seen adhering to the inner surface of the reflected upper lid. It may be simply removed by touching with the moistened tip of a hanky or cotton wool rolled into a point and moistened. Sorry to sound ominous, but what if the item is not seen and still continues to produce discomfort?

Then it is high time to take the patient to the doctor. Sometimes the foreign body will be embedded in the surface of the eye. Often it is very hard to see, and special magnification and instruments may be necessary to remove it. This is especially important if it lies on the cornea, the window through which one sees. Scratching or injury to the cornea may be serious. On no account touch the surface of the eye with anything sharp. This is entirely within the province of the doctor or eye specialist. Remember this; it is vitally important.

Originally posted 2010-03-10 22:09:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Undescended Testes happens fairly frequently. Normally the testes descend from the body to the scrotum shortly before birth. But occasionally they seem to get lost. They may partially descend, then return to the body. This may keep on occurring. Alternatively, the testes may have developed in an abnormal manner, and are situated in some different place. This is termed an ectopic testis.

The testes belong in the scrotum from birth onwards. If they remain in the body, as age progresses, the sperm-producing capacity is adversely affected and infertility may take place in later life.

The other may be very hazardous. Testes remaining in the body have a high risk of turning cancerous. What’s more, it may be a very serious, rapidly growing and spreading type.

Undescended Testes Treatment

If a parent notices the testes are missing or come and go, referral to the doctor is essential, and the sooner the better.

What treatment is carried out? This will vary with the patient and the exact diagnosis. Some doctors prefer to give hormonal treatment a trial run first. They administer the hormone chorionic gonadotrophin, and this is occasionally successful in bringing the testes into the scrotum.

What if this fails?

And fail it often does. Then a surgical approach is taken. This is invariably successful. The testes are found and anchored securely into the scrotum. The operation is quite straightforward; the patient rapidly recovers, and usually the beneficial effect is lifelong. It is a highly successful procedure. But as you said earlier, the sooner a parent takes action, the better. Never neglect any disorder in this region. It’s often quite obvious, and a check is very simple.

Originally posted 2010-05-09 21:06:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Laction is a baby’s best chances of developing normally and healthily come when this form of feeding is used.

Some mothers experience difficulties at the time of lactation. Probably the most common one is an apparent failure of the breasts to produce sufficient milk. This problem often begins very early after baby’s birth. It is essential that every effort be made promptly to ensure the milk glands are producing adequate amounts, and that the necessary stimulation for this be provided.

A baby may be a lethargic type and show little interest, in the early days, in suckling. Therefore, there is little stimulus to the breasts to continue to produce milk. It is essential that the breasts be completely emptied after each feed for the stimulation to be maintained, otherwise problems are inevitable. Manually expressing each breast is advisable. Offering your baby alternate breasts to begin each feed is also good.

Some baby experts have recommended that, for the first 10 days, all mothers express their breasts regularly after baby feeds. They say this gets the milk flow off to an excellent start. Before long, the “lethargic baby” will begin to suck more vigorously. In turn, this will promote an even greater stimulus for the glands to continue to produce milk abundantly.

However, some mothers are intrinsically poor milk producers. If there has been a history of previous difficulties and an apparent poor supply despite all efforts, artificial feeding may be preferable.

Originally posted 2010-03-14 02:18:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

What is Ovarian Tumour?

The ovaries are a fairly common site for the development of tumours. They are most frequently detected in women aged 35 years or more. They tend to grow slowly, and are often not discovered until they have grown to a relatively large size.
Often a lump welling up from the pelvic cavity (sometimes believed to be a pregnancy, even though menstruation may still be occurring) is the first indication. But in an obese woman, it may just appear that she is putting on even more weight in the abdominal region, and may be overlooked for a long time.
Many are discovered in the course of a routine pelvic examination for some other reason. (This is another reason in favour of having regular pelvic checks when returning for a repeat prescription of the contraceptive pill. If this is not carried out routinely by your own doctor, it is well worth asking for.) Many tumours are discovered during a laparoscopic examination of the pelvis.
Fortunately, about 95 per cent of ovarian tumours are benign (ie noncancerous). Benign tumours are usually cystic, so that if a cystic swelling is discovered, it usually means that it is a simple, noncancerous one.
However, the remaining 5 per cent still equals a lot, and malignancy in this area is fraught with problems. For cancer tends to grow at a steady rate, silently, and almost symptom-free in the early stages. Often, by the time adequate symptoms have occurred to make the patient seek medical assistance, the cancer has advanced to an incurable state. Once more this indicates the supreme value of regular medical examinations and pelvic checks throughout life. Discovering these disorders early (before symptoms set in) offers about the only chance of a successful outcome.

Ovarian Tumour Symptoms

Benign tumours never cause pain, unless some sort of complication occurs, and rarely do they affect menstrual function. Symptoms can take place if the tumour is on a lengthy stalk (pedicle), and it becomes twisted on itself. If the cystic swelling suddenly bursts. symptoms may also take place.
Princess Anne of Britain was in the news some years ago when it appeared that she had an ovarian cyst that had suddenly developed this complication. Sometimes a surgical emergency may arise. But with small cysts, a slight discomfort may be all that a woman experiences.
Very large tumours may produce symptoms from pressure on surrounding structures. Abdominal discomfort, lack of appetite and/or nausea may occur when the abdominal contents are squeezed by mechanical pressure. Malignant tumours of the ovaries are often associated with pain, particularly in the later stages when surrounding structures have become involved. Fluid in the pelvic cavity and weight loss are also other ominous signs.
Diagnosis of ovarian tumours may be simple, or they may be extremely difficult. Sometimes radiology and ultrasound aids are needed to help in distinguishing it from other possible diagnoses.

Ovarian Tumour Treatment

The course of action depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms being produced. If severe bleeding is occurring, particularly in an older woman, surgical removal of the uterus is often undertaken. If troublesome pressure symptoms are encountered, a similar approach is frequently made.
In younger women (especially those under the age of 40), and those still desirous of maintaining their reproductive function, myomectomy may be advised. One important flow-on benefit is that a substantial number of women who appeared to be infertile (presumably due to the presence of the tumour) subsequently become pregnant after this operation.
Treatment of most ovarian tumours is surgical. In young women, every effort is made to preserve as much of the normal ovary (if there is any left) as possible. This help ensure continuation of the system’s hormonal supply, and so help maintain a feeling of normality.
As there is a risk of benign cysts turning cancerous, they are usually removed. Smaller ones are either ruptured or removed alone or with the ovary through the operating laparoscope. as seen in full colour by the doctor on a VDU screen, which sits next to the patient. It can sometimes be difficult to know if a tumour is in fact cancerous or not until it has been thoroughly examined by the pathologist under the microscope. Any parts that are removed must always be scrutinised by the experts for a full report.
In older women, frequently a greater amount of tissue is removed, for there is often an increased risk of cancer. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease and follow-up therapy is usually carried out. Development of Taxol, from the yew tree, holds hope for the future. Time will tell.
The main point in this section is the need to recognise that ovarian tumours are relatively common. While most are noncancerous, there is a real risk that malignancy may develop.
The sooner diagnosis is made and treatment undertaken, the better. There is also a case for regular pelvic examinations throughout life in order to detect any such abnormality as early as possible.

Endometrial Ablation

New technology continues to improve the lot of many women undergoing surgery. In many cases, in women with heavy bleeding for no obvious cause, the traditional D and C or hysterectomy (womb removal) is being replaced by endometrial ablation. This is carried out in hospital under a general anaesthetic. A camera looks inside the womb, and this is displayed on a VDU screen nearby, and the surgeon works from this, gently manipulating the instruments. A “rollerball” or laser beam then systematically removes the endometrial lining of the womb. This goes deeply, so that subsequent scar tissue will prevent new tissue lining from growing.
In most cases, bleeding is dramatically reduced. Pregnancy is usually no longer possible. The patient normally recovers quickly. It is a much lesser operation than womb removal, and the patient may return home and back to normal duties fairly quickly.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

The laparoscopic method is being used for an increasing range of surgical operations. Many gynaecologists use it for womb removal (hysterectomy) Tubes (one containing a camera and lights) are inserted via tiny 1 cm incisions called portals low down in the pelvis. This is shown up on the VDU screen, and the surgeon gently dissects away the unwanted parts.
Finally, the womb (and other organs if need be) is removed via an incision high up in the vaginal canal. Recovery is claimed to be quicker, although the operation still takes a considerable period of time, and specialised surgical skills and equipment are required.

Originally posted 2010-04-15 05:27:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

What is Purpura?

Purpura means there is a tendency for the skin to bruise. It’s more likely in children under the age of six years, and often there may have been a tendency to bruise easily with simple knocks. A large number of purpuras exist, and they have a strange variety of names. Basically, the cause is a fault with the clotting mechanism of the blood. This usually involves tiny particles called platelets, which are part of the solid phase of the blood. There may be too few, or the place where they are produced, in the bone marrow, may be diseased.

Sometimes the condition follows a few weeks after a simple infection, often a viral one, or germs collecting in the urinary tract or teeth. There may be bleeding into the skin causing bruising. It may come from the nose, gums or urinary system these are the most common areas. Sometimes bleeding may occur into the bowel or pints or even into the nervous system, hit these are more unlikely. The child may run a fever, appear pale, but this varies. When the blood is examined, there is usually a reduced number of platelets.

Purpura Treatment

It can be a worrying time, and treatment may be needed for many months, often up to six or eight. Blood transfusions are given to restore the platelet count to normal, and these may be repeated depending on the child’s reaction.

Any infection is treated. The child is given a nutritious diet, probably with added vitamins, and the steroid drugs are sometimes used. Every effort is made to avoid injuring the body, for this will aggravate the bruising and bleeding. Certain of the newer drugs may also be used. It depends on the case, and the opinion of the doctors treating it. In continuing cases despite treatment (probably after six to twelve months of active therapy), the spleen, the large organ in the upper abdomen is sometimes surgically removed.

In most cases the results are favourable often with or without treatment, the vast majority of people recover within six months, but some may take longer and cases have continued for three years or more. Occasionally a purpura is fatal, but usually not.

Originally posted 2010-06-03 18:28:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Because an infant’s fingernails grow quickly and may accidentally scratch the face, they should be gently trimmed once or twice a week using infant nail clippers. Toenails, (which do not grow as quickly and can’t cause any injury) need only be trimmed once or twice a month.

The hands of a young child are constantly exploring the world around him, and thus both fingers and fingernails are at risk for a variety of injuries. If a child is barefoot much of the time, toenails could occasionally be injured as well. If a nail becomes cracked without roughness, no special care is needed. If a nail is nearly torn however, use clippers or scissors cleansed with rub alcohol to cut off the loose fragment. Each day, soak hand or foot for twenty minutes in a solution of salt water (1 tsp salt in 2 cups water), then apply biotic ointment and a small adhesive bandage and in about a week, the raw nail bed will be covered with new skin, and this routine can be stopped. A new one will eventually grow out.

Occasionally a crush injury (as occurs when a finger is in the path of a in a closing door) will cause bleeding under the nail. This will be manifested by a deep blue discoloration of the nail and a great deal of pain. This in turn should be seen by the child’s physician, who may use a special tool to poke a hole in the nail to release the blood and relieve pain immediately. If the nail bed is cut as the result of a crush injury, it may need to be treated under local anesthesia.

Nail biting is a commonly self-comforting, bad habit among children. Attempts to stop it through ridicule or punishment will cause more harm than good. A child who wants to break the habit can beat it in a variety of ways:

Offer a reward for a certain number of days or weeks of “biteless” nails.

Devise a simple, nonjudgmental signal (such as saying the child’s name in a friendly tone and pointing to your hand) you can use when you see him biting his nails.

Sour-tasting solutions painted on the nails may serve as a reminder to keep fingers out of the mouth.

An infection of the soft tissue at the junction of the fingernail is called a paronychia. This usually involves common staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. The infection arises from a break in the skin resulting from thumb-sucking, chewing, or pulling on the cuticle. Occasionally, pus will drain from the breakage which also has a tendency to become red and irritated. If a pus pocket is clearly visible, your child’s doctor might lance it, which will relieve pressure and reduce pain. The doctor might recommend 10 or 15 minute soaks in a solution of a little antibacterial soap in 6 to 8 ounces of warm water, along with the application of an antibiotic ointment. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics might be prescribed.

Ingrown toenails are caused by improper cutting of the toenails and/or wearing tight shoes, and the nail becomes embedded in the flesh. Always cut a toenail straight across rather than curve it down on the sides. If an ingrown nail develops, soak the foot daily in a solution of soap and water as just described. Massage the swollen part of the toe away from the nail. Frequently, ingrown toenails (especially on the big toe) become infected, causing pain, redness, and swelling where the nail joins the infected skin. While gentle cleansing and warm soaks may help to some extent, your child’s doctor might recommend antibiotics and/or removal of the segment of nail that has become embedded in the skin. (A local anesthetic is given to numb the toe before this is done.)

Originally posted 2010-03-14 05:41:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

What is Pericarditis?

Pericarditis means that the tissues surrounding the heart have become inflamed. Probably the most common causes these days are viruses. It may follow on from rheumatic fever, or, as in so many childhood complaints it just occurs out of the blue for no obvious reason. There may be chest pains, which may be less noticeable when standing and there may be early signs of heart failure. Once more, medical attention is always advisable.

Pericarditis Symptoms

Pericaditis often takes place for no obvious cause. The alert parent will soon be able to tell if something has obviously gone wrong with her child, either as a baby, infant, toddler or older. If she notices something that to her is abnormal, she should not delay. Take the child to the doctor for a check. Prompt attention will often bring a happy result. Delay, in many other cases, can lead to a great deal of trouble. This may apply to the short-term as well as the long-term. Fathers should also be alert to the possibilities.

Originally posted 2010-04-17 02:52:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis refers to allergy of the nose. Allergies are basically caused by the interaction between the body’s immune system and irritants or agents referred to as allergens within the external world. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system sees a simple agent as a harmful intruder and reacts with chemical processes that are inappropriate hence they negatively affect the body. Symptoms of allergies are varied and can be mild or severe, some even being fatal.

Allergic rhinitis is among the most prevalent forms of atopic (skin) disorders. It is assumed that its prevalence is due to the nose’s constant exposure to airborne allergens, oftentimes being the initial point of contact between the body and these external stimuli. Airborne allergens are among the most common triggers of allergic reactions. The condition is impartial to gender with both males and females experiencing equal incidence rates.

Symptoms of allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms of this kind of allergy include runny nose and stuffiness, redness of the lower eyelid, sneezing, nasal congestion and other cold-like symptoms, snoring, heavy mouth breathing, the constant clearing of the throat, allergic creases (lines across the nose caused by frequent wiping of the nose in upward swipes made by the index finger often referred to an “allergic salutes”), headaches, nose bleeds or secretions that are tinted with blood, earaches and dark circles under the eyes.

Types of allergic Rhinitis

Allergies of the nose fall under two main categories; these are “perennial’ and “seasonal”. Perennial allergies tend to get worse during the winter months especially for children but are experienced year round. Winter months are associated with increases in allergic reactions in children because they tend to spend more time indoors hence exposures to airborne irritants around the house are more frequent and prolonged.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis results mainly from exposure to plant pollen being circulated by winds. Different irritants exist in different regions since plant life will vary based on natural habitat. The season of attack will differ as well based on the location of those affected. On average, trees produce common allergens during late winter going into early spring months, while grass is a leading cause through-out the rest of spring and the early summer period. Weeds (mainly ragweed) dominate late summer. Mold can trigger allergic rhinitis, so too can perfume and strong fragrances, pollution (unclear air), weather changes, humidity, tobacco smoke, dry air and cosmetics.

Treatment of allergic Rhinitis

Treatments include antihistamines, decongestants (in solid, liquid and nasal sprays), Immunotherapy (also called hyposensitization or more commonly know as allergy shots) and Cromolyn or steroid nasal spray. Strength, type, frequency and duration of treatment will vary based on the condition, allergen and severity of each attack although preventative measures are best. Airborne allergens can be avoided for the most part especially those that are found around the home. For those that cannot be avoided, reducing exposure should be attempted.

Reactions that are persistent or affect natural functions (like breathing or swallowing) should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Mild cases can be treated at home with drugs that can be obtained from local pharmacies without a prescription.

Originally posted 2010-05-23 01:15:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter