Current Information on Common Medical Condition
Here you will find some basic information on common medical conditions that children experience. From the common cold, to chicken pox, to Scarlet Fever, you will find helpful information here on these topics:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. RSV causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system.
RSV is highly contagious, and can be spread through droplets containing the virus when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also live on surfaces such as countertops or doorknobs, and on hands and clothing. RSV can be easily spread when a person touches an object or surface contaminated with the virus. The infection can spread rapidly through schools and child-care centers. Infants often get it when older kids carry the virus home from school and pass it to them. Almost all kids are infected with RSV at least once by the time they are 2 years old.
RSV infections often occur in epidemics that last from late fall through early spring. Respiratory illness caused by RSV — such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia — usually lasts about a week, but some cases may last several weeks. Doctors typically diagnose RSV by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. Generally, in healthy kids, it's not necessary to distinguish RSV from a common cold. But in cases where a child has other health conditions, a doctor might want to make a specific diagnosis. RSV is typically identified in nasal secretions, which can be collected either with a cotton swab or by suction through a bulb syringe.
Preventing RSV
Because RSV can be easily spread by touching people or surfaces that are infected, frequent handwashing can go a long way toward preventing the virus from spreading around a household. It's best to wash your hands after having any contact with someone who has any cold symptoms. And keep your school-age child with a cold away from younger siblings — particularly infants — until the symptoms pass.
To prevent serious RSV-related respiratory disease, at-risk kids can be given a monthly injection of a medication consisting of RSV antibodies during peak RSV season (roughly November to April). Because its protection is short-lived, it has to be given in subsequent years until the child is no longer at high risk for severe RSV infection. Ask the doctor if your child is considered high risk.
Treating RSV
Fortunately, most cases of RSV are mild and require no specific treatment from doctors. Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Medication may sometimes be given to help open airways.
In an infant, however, an RSV infection can be more serious and may require hospitalization so that the baby can be watched closely, receive fluids, and, if necessary, be treated for breathing problems.
At home, make a child with an RSV infection as comfortable as possible, allow time for recovery, and provide plenty of fluids. The last part can be tricky, however, because babies may not feel like drinking. In that case, offer fluids in small amounts at more frequent intervals than usual.
To help your child breathe easier, use a cool-mist vaporizer during the winter months to keep the air moist — winter air can dry out airways and make the mucus stickier. Avoid hot-water and steam humidifiers, which can be hazardous and can cause scalding. If you use a cool-mist humidifier, clean it daily with household bleach to discourage mold.
If your child is uncomfortable and too young to blow his or her own nose, use a nasal aspirator (or bulb syringe) to remove sticky nasal fluids.
Treat fever using a nonaspirin fever medicine like acetaminophen. Aspirin should NOT be used in children with viral illnesses since its use in such cases has been associated with Reye syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
When to Call the Doctor
Call the doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:
- high fever with ill appearance
- thick nasal discharge that is yellow, green, or gray
- worsening cough or cough that produces yellow, green, or gray mucus
- if you think your child might be dehydrated.
In infants, besides the symptoms already mentioned, call the doctor if your baby is unusually irritable or inactive, or refuses to breastfeed or bottle-feed.
Seek immediate medical help if you feel your child is having difficulty breathing or is breathing very rapidly, is lethargic, or if his or her lips or fingernails appear blue.
Reviewed by: 
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: September 2006
Courtesy: www.Kidshealth.org
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Asthma Management
The good news is that for most children, asthma can be well controlled - sometimes so well controlled that a child has only rare asthma flare-ups. For many families, the learning process is the hardest part of controlling asthma. Between diagnosis and good control, there's a lot to learn and a lot to do. A child might have flare-ups while learning to control asthma, but don't be surprised or discouraged. Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort!
How long it takes to get asthma under control depends on the child's age, the severity of symptoms, how frequently flare-ups occur, and how willing and able the family is to follow a doctor's prescribed treatment plan. Every child with asthma needs a doctor-prescribed asthma action plan to control symptoms and flare-ups. This plan usually has five parts.
Step 1: Identifying and Controlling Asthma Triggers
Triggers are things that can irritate airways and lead to an asthma flare-up. Triggers can vary from season to season and as a child grows older. Some common triggers are:
- allergens, including microscopic dust mites present in house dust, carpets and pillows; animal dander and saliva; pollens and grasses; molds; foods; medications; and cockroaches.
- viral infections, including the common cold and the flu (influenza).
- irritants, including smoke, air fresheners, aerosols, paint fumes, hair spray, and perfumes
- exercise
- breathing in cold air
- weather changes
Identifying triggers and symptoms can take time and good detective work. But once patterns are discovered, some of the triggers can be avoided through environmental control measures.
Step 2: Anticipating and Preventing Asthma Flare-Ups
Many kids with asthma have increasing inflammation in their airways from everyday trigger exposure - but they just can't feel it. Their breathing may sound normal and wheeze-free when their airways are actually narrowing and becoming inflamed, making them prone to a flare-up.
Since just listening to a child's breathing (or asking the child how breathing feels) can't give you an accurate sense of what's really happening inside, a more objective way to measure breathing is needed. Breathing tests measure the volume and speed of air as it is expelled from the lungs. Asthma specialists make several measurements with a spirometer, a computerized machine that takes detailed measurements of breathing ability.
At home, a peak flow meter - a hand-held tool that measures breathing ability - can be used. When peak flow readings drop, it's a sign of increasing airway inflammation. The peak flow meter can detect even subtle airway inflammation and obstruction - even when a child feels fine. In some cases, it can detect drops in peak flow readings two to three days before a flare-up occurs, providing plenty of time to treat and prevent it.
During the first stages of treatment, the doctor usually will have a child take a series of peak flow readings for a period of time. The readings help to establish a child's baseline PEFR, or peak expiratory flow rate - his personal best during a time when he has the least symptoms. After establishing a baseline reading, peak flow readings should be taken at least once a day so daily readings may be compared with the baseline.
Another way to know when a flare-up is brewing is to look for early warning signs (EWS). EWS are little changes in a child that signal medication adjustments may be needed (as directed in a child's individual asthma action plan) to prevent a flare-up. EWS can help to detect a flare-up hours or even a day before the appearance of obvious flare-up symptoms (such as wheezing and coughing). Kids can develop changes in appearance, mood, or breathing, or they'll complain of "feeling funny" in some way. EWS are not always definite proof that a flare-up is on the way, but they are signals to plan ahead, just in case. It can take some time to "tune in" to these little changes, but over time, recognizing them becomes easier.
Parents with very young children who can't talk or use a peak flow meter often find early warning signs very helpful in predicting and preventing flare-ups. And EWS can be helpful for older children and even teens because they can learn to sense little changes in themselves. If they are old enough, they can adjust medication by themselves according to the asthma action plan, and if not, they can ask for help.
Step 3: Taking Medications as Prescribed
Developing an effective medication plan to control a child's asthma can take a little time and experimentation. There's no single remedy that works for every child with asthma. The different categories of asthma are treated differently, and some medication combinations work well for some children but not for others.
There are two main categories of asthma medications: rescue medications and controller medications. Asthma medications treat both symptoms and causes, so they effectively control asthma for nearly every child. Over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and herbal combinations are not substitutes for prescription asthma medication. First, they can be life-threatening to rely upon during a flare-up because they cannot reverse airway obstruction quickly and effectively (if at all). Second, they don't address the cause of many flare-ups: the hidden inflammation smoldering in a child's airways. As a result, asthma is not controlled by these non-prescription cold medicines, and may even become worse with their use.
Step 4: Controlling Flare-Ups By Following the Doctor's Written, Step-by-Step Plan
Mastering the first three steps of asthma control means a child will have fewer asthma symptoms and flare-ups. But any child with asthma can still have an occasional flare-up, particularly during the learning period (between diagnosis and control) or after exposure to a very strong or new trigger. With the proper patient education, on-hand medications, and keen observation, families today can learn to control nearly every asthma flare-up by initiating treatment early, which will mean less emergency room visits and fewer admissions, if any, to the hospital.
The doctor provides a written, step-by-step plan (asthma action plan) outlining exactly what to do between flare-ups and how to recognize and manage flare-ups when they occur. The plan is different for each child. Over time, families learn to recognize when to start treatment early and when to call the doctor for help.
Step 5: Learning More About Asthma, New Medications, and Treatments
It's a fact: those who learn the most about asthma are the most successful in controlling it. Fortunately, more is being discovered about asthma every day! There are several organizations you can contact for information, videos, books, educational video games, and pamphlets (click on the Additional Resources tab at right for a partial listing). They can often direct you to local support groups where families and kids can meet others going through the same frustrations and learning processes. Together, they share experiences, helpful strategies and tips, and coping skills.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007
Courtesy: www.Kidshealth.org
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Pandemic Flu
An influenza (flu) pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that can spread easily from person to person. Since people have not been exposed to this new virus, they have little or no immunity to the virus. As a result, this can cause serious illness or even lead to death in some cases. No one can predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur but the consequences of the pandemic can be reduced if we are prepared ahead of time. Our school nurse has sent home a letter to the parents about the pandemic flu, and important tips on how to be prepared in the event of a pandemic outbreak. More detailed information is available to parents through the Department of Health and Human Services www.pandemicflu.gov. Our Lady of Hope School has a crisis plan in place which is periodically reviewed to accommodate new challenges.
If an influenza pandemic occurs school will be closed. In order for the children to remain focused on their school work, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School will use this website to communicate assignments, long-term projects and continue to inform the parents of any health updates or new developments that may arise.
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Allergic Rhinitis: Hay Fever
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever, is an allergic response to pollen (the male component of the plant reproductive system) or other microscopic substances that are present only at certain times of the year. Allergic rhinitis can also be perennial (year-round).
In the spring, pollinating trees are responsible for causing hay fever. Over the summer, grasses and weeds produce the pollen. And in the fall weeds are mostly to blame, with ragweed being the main culprit. Hay fever can also be caused by mold releasing its reproductive cells, called spores, from late March until November, usually peaking in late summer and early fall.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by agents that are present throughout the year, such as dust mites, mold, animal dander and feathers. These irritants can be found in pillows, down clothing, draperies, upholstery, thick carpeting and bedding.
It is common for people to be allergic to more than one pollen or agent
For Answers to These Questions:
- What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?
- Why Do Only Some People Get Seasonal Allergies/Hay Fever?
- Why Are My Allergies Better on Some Days and Worse on Others?
- How Is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?
- Will Allergy Shots Help My Allergic Rhinitis?
See the artilce on Allergic Rhinitis: Hay Fever from: 
.
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Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It is a very common infection among school age children and teenagers. This illness occurs mostly during the school year because the children are in close quarters with each other.
How Is It Spread?
This is a very contagious disease and since the bacteria tends to reside in the nose and throat any normal activity such as sneezing, coughing and shaking hands easily leads to the spread of the bacteria from person to person. Therefore, a very easy and preventive way to reduce the spread of this disease is by teaching our children good hand washing techniques and the practicing of good hygiene measures overall.
Symptoms To Look For:
- Complain of sorethraot
- Difficulty swallowing
- May have red and white patches in the throat
- Tender or swollen glands
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- General malaise
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- May have a rash
Sometimes a child may complain of a sore throat associated with a cough, runny nose, hoarseness and red eyes. This kind of sore throat is usually caused by a virus and may clear up on its own without the need for medical treatment. However, if symptoms persist longer than a week and the child is getting progressively worse, it is always better to seek medical advice.
Treatment
In most cases, strep throat is treated with 10 days of antibiotics. Within 24 hours on medication your child should no longer be contagious and the child’s temperature should be back to normal. If your child is not treated for strep throat, he/she is contagious when the symptoms are worse and can last for up to 21 days. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO COMPLETE THE ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT EVEN AFTER YOUR CHILD STARTS TO FEEL BETTER. Failure to complete treatment exposes your child to other severe health problems. It is important to provide plenty of rest and hydration during this recovery period. Cool water, warm liquids and soups are preferred. Avoid very acidic drinks such as orange juice and lemonade since the acidity may irritate your child’s throat. As always, good hygiene practices, plenty of rest, hydration and keeping the children home when they are sick helps keep and maintain a healthy environment for all.
©1995-2007 The Nemours Foundation
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Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever can be as a result of untreated Strep infection. It is an infection caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. This bacterium is transmitted to others through the nasal and throat droplets by sneezing and coughing. Although a "scarlet" rash is associated with scarlet fever, the rash may not always be present. The toxin released from the bacteria causes the rash associated with this illness. This rash usually looks like a sunburn with raised bumps scattered over the neck, face (excluding areas around the mouth), chest, back, and eventually the rest of the body. The rash can also be passed to others via skin contact. Other symptoms include: a fever usually higher than 101 degrees fahrenheit, a very red sore throat sometimes with white or yellowish dots of pus, chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The fever typically lasts between 3-5 days and the rash may fade approximately 6 days from the first symptom. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics for at least 10 days.
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