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Health Hotline

Posted on: Sunday, 2 April 2006, 06:00 CDT

By Anonymous

Deadly Allergic Reactions

Watery eyes, rashes or itching that won't stop are common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction, and allergies affect about 50 million people in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. An allergy is the immune system's response to a foreign substance; in the case of allergies these substances are called allergens, including pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander.

Experts are not sure why substances trigger allergies in some people and not others, but many believe that family history plays a big role. If one parent has some type of allergy, the estimated risk of their child developing allergies is 48 percent; the child's risk grows to 70 percent if both parents have allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

While most allergic reactions are mild and can be treated with over-the-counter products, there is one type of allergic reaction- anaphylaxis-that can be fatal. Its common triggers include insect venom, latex, some foods and some medications. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include constriction of airways (which can cause difficulty in breathing), dizziness, fainting, hives, itching and nausea. In the most severe cases, there can be a decrease in blood pressure, which can cause the body to go into shock. The most common drug used to treat anaphylactic reactions is adrenaline (epinephrine), which can be selfadministered with an auto-injector. Doctors recommend that people with severe allergies carry an auto- injector with them.

Food anaphylaxis is the leading known cause of anaphylactic reactions treated in emergency room departments in the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Experts say food allergies are more common in children than in adults, and a product like peanut butter can cause serious problems for some children. Recently a lot of attention has been devoted to children who are allergic to tree nuts (i.e., cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios). But according to a recent study fro m researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 9 percent of children with an allergy to tree nuts will outgrow it.

Medical experts say one of the best ways to treat allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen. Some experts recommend imrhunotherapy (allergy shots) if basic allergy medications and avoidance of allergens don't work.

Depression in Children

Depression is a disorder that affects thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and physical health. The main types of depression include major depression, dysthymia, adjustments disorders, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. According to experts, major depression, dysthymic and bipolar disorders are the most frequently diagnosed mood disorders in children and adolescents. Studies show that 10 to 15 percent of children and adolescents have some symptoms of depression, according to United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.

There is no single cause of depression in children, but experts say the illness often runs in the family. Other factors that may trigger depression include stressful life events, long-term use of some medications and chronic illnesses.

Depression is often difficult to diagnose in children, experts say, because some of the behaviors associated with depression can be normal patterns of behavior in a growing child. Researchers say some of the signs of depression in adolescents and children include sadness that won't go away and a decreased interest in playing or involvement in favorite activities. If your child is moody, irritable or has suicidal thoughts, those are serious signs that you should pay close attention to-especially if those types of behavior last for long periods.

Medication and psychotherapy are two of the main treatment options for depression, but some experts suggest that antidepressant medications may not be as effective in treating children and adolescents. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory warning that there is an increased risk in suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents treated with certain antidepressants.

If you notice signs of depression in your child or teen, experts suggest you talk with your doctor or mental health care provider to decide the best treatment option.

Childhood Obesity

Obesity among African-American children and adolescents has reached alarming proportions with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood, experts say.

"The obesity epidemic is one of the major health challenges facing our nation, and African-American communities are highly affected by this disease," says Mike Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In African-American girls and boys, the overweight and obesity rates are almost twice as high as they are for White children in the same age group, according to figures from the National Center for Health Statistics. Among ages 6 to 11, nearly 36 percent of African- American children are overweight, and 20 percent are obese. In African-American adolescents, ages 12 to 19, almost 41 percent are overweight, and 24 percent are obese.

Many studies indicate that children's exposure to fast food and TV ads that influence children to consume high-caloric food products such as sodas, some cereals, candy and processed foods may contribute to the high child obesity rate. Additionally, too many children are satisfied with sedentary lifestyles, which include too much TV and video games, and not enough physical activity. Doctors say that combination is the heart of the problem, contributing to a series of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease, earlier in life.

Parents ultimately have the control over what their children eat. Even small changes can make a big difference. The Mayo Clinic offers the following suggestions:

* When buying groceries, choose fruits and vegetables over convenience foods high in sugar and fat. Always have healthy snacks available.

* Limit sweetened beverages, including fruit juices, which are high in calories.

* Select recipes that are lower in fat.

* Sit down together (not in front of the TV) for family meals. Make it a time to share news and tell stories.

* Eating healthy foods and exercising with kids is the best way to help prevent them from becoming overweight.

Children's Dental Health

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. More than 1 in 4 preschoolage children have experienced tooth decay, a significant increase during the past decade, according to the latest study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study showed that preschool-age children, ages 2 to 5, have the lowest rates of dental care of all age groups in the nation, and they miss out on an important time for effective dental prevention.

"The upturn in decay in today's preschoolers may be expected to continue into their permanent teeth as they grow older," the CDC study found. "To keep this from happening, it is essential to identify children at greatest risk for decay as early as possible."

African-American children in low-income communities are at a higher risk of untreated tooth decay due to issues of poverty and access to quality dental treatment. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases can have a significant impact on the quality of life. It may also result in diminished growth, eating and speaking dysfunction, low self-esteem and negative behaviors that interfere with learning and family life.

The good news is that tooth decay is a preventable health problem. As early as age 2, parents should begin practicing prevention and take children to the family dentist for a check-up.

Dentists also recommend the following tips:

Supervise tooth brushing after every meal and teach children to use dental floss.

Avoid between-meal snacks of sweets, sugary foods and sweetened drinks since they promote tooth decay.

If your child's teeth become damaged in any way, take the child to the dentist immediately.

Remember, an attractive smile and good oral health into adulthood begins by taking measures to prevent dental disease as early as when babies begin teething.

Copyright Johnson Publishing Company Apr 2006

Source: Ebony

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