Ravina Sewani

<ul><li>Pet allergy is body’s immune response against animal’s dander (dead skin in animal fur), animal’s saliva, or animal’s urine. The body perceives all of these as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction in your child.</li><li>A pet with a lot of fur or feathers on its body holds a greater chance of triggering an allergic reaction in your child.</li><li>If your child has been diagnosed of pet allergy by your child’s paediatrician, it is better to not own a pet. If your child loves animals, you can take him/her visit your friend’s or relative’s pets once in a while.</li><li>If your child is allergic to other things as well, then your child may show immediate symptoms after coming in contact with some animals.</li><li>Pet allergies are known to self-resolve after avoiding animals for some time. But if this is not the case, it is better to not own pets at all.</li><li>Pet allergens are airborne so use an air filter in your house to keep your child from contacting these allergens. Keep the carpets at the minimum in your house.</li><li>Keep your pet’s belongings and cage clean and free of fur.</li><li>Keeping pets outdoor might help a bit but does not solve the problem entirely.</li><li>Treatments include prescription of antihistamines and nasal sprays by your child’s paediatrician.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul>

Children love pets. But sometimes, the pet dander may cause allergies in children.

Pet allergy

Practically, a child can be allergic towards any vegetable but the most common are asparagus, cabbage, potatoes, carrot, cucumber, spinach, avocado. Causes: Proteins present in the fruit that the child is allergic to. Symptoms: Symptoms usually show up minutes after a child has been exposed to a vegetable that (s)he is allergic to. Sometimes, the symptoms might show up after a few hours.The symptoms include:<ul><li>Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing or dry cough</li><li>Eczema (a dry, itchy rash) or hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin)</li><li>Redness of the skin around the mouth or eyes</li><li>Itchy mouth, ear canal or lip swelling, odd taste in the mouth</li><li>Nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain</li><li>Drop in blood pressure</li><li>Severe reactions include loss of consciousness, chest pain, turning pale, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or anaphylaxis</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>The first thing is to not self-diagnose. Always rely on a healthcare expert's diagnosis.</li><li>A healthcare expert will examine your child's symptoms, his/her health history, and conduct other tests if required, to confirm whether your child has an allergy towards particular foods or not.</li><li>The doctor might get a blood test or a skin prick test done for your child.</li></ul> Foods to avoid:<ul><li>Raw vegetable to which the child is allergic.</li><li>Vegetable soup.</li><li>Food dishes which contain the vegetable to which your child is allergic.</li></ul> Treating allergies:<ul><li>The best way to prevent allergies of any sort in children is to avoid the source of the allergen.</li><li>In allergies, paediatricians usually prescribe antihistamine medicines for mild allergic reactions. Whereas for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, your child’s paediatrician will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI).</li></ul> Precautions:<ul><li>Develop a habit of reading the food labels for ingredients and allergy information.</li><li>Teach your child to mention about the allergy whenever (s)he goes to visit someone.</li><li>Inform your child’s school about your child’s allergy. You can also give the medicines prescribed by your child’s doctor to the school which they can use in case of sudden allergic reactions.</li><li>Be careful about the possibility of cross-contact; especially when visiting a restaurant.</li><li>Always keep the allergy medication handy for your child.</li></ul>

Not every child will have an allergy towards the same vegetable. Every child's immune system reacts differently towards different vegetables. The allergic reaction, however, is more or less the same towards any kind of vegetable.

Vegetable allergies

Unlike dengue or other viral fever, malaria has specific medication. If your child has been diagnosed with malaria then you should consult a doctor. Malarial germs do not die on their own. Our body can’t fight these germs so it is mandatory to give medication as soon as malaria is diagnosed. Symptoms:<ul><li>Drowsiness</li><li>Poor appetite</li><li>Trouble in sleeping</li><li>Chills</li><li>Fever (it might reach up to 105˚ F)</li><li>Fast breathing</li><li>Headache</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Body ache</li><li>Seizures in case the infection reaches the brain</li></ul> Causes:Malaria is caused by parasites carried by female mosquitoes. Congenital malaria is the infection of malaria to a child in the womb from mother. Malaria also spreads through blood transfusion, organ donation, or shared needles. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on physical symptoms and blood tests. Treatment:<ul><li>Take prescribed anti-malarial drugs by the doctor.</li><li>Take proper care and see that the child rests well.</li><li>Give sufficient fluids so there is no dehydration.</li><li>In case if the child is young enough and can’t take oral medication there are injections available too.</li><li>If the child doesn’t eat or drink or have any other complications after taking the medication, the child should be hospitalised.</li></ul> Preventive measures:<ul><li>Use screens (mosquito nets) on doors and windows, and promptly repair broken or damaged screens. Keep doors and windows shut.</li><li>Have kids wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when they go outside.</li><li>Use insect repellent as directed on kids.</li><li>Limit the amount of time kids spend outside during the day, especially in the hours around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.</li><li>Keep surroundings clean. Mosquitoes breed easily when there is water around. They lay their eggs in water, so get rid of unclean water around you.</li></ul>

Here are Malaria Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Diagnosis.

All about malaria

Palak Vyas

Choking occurs when your baby takes more milk into its mouth than (s)he can swallow at a time. Excess milk spills into the airway and blocks the flow of air, which leads to choking. It can be a frightening sight for any mother to see her baby coughing and sputtering milk while struggling to breathe. Reasons behind choking during breastfeeding:<ol><li>Milk oversupply- When a mother produces excessive milk, the milk releases from the milk ducts in a forceful and almost explosive manner. This is called Milk Ejection Reflex. The baby is not able to swallow that much amount easily and starts choking up.</li><li>Improper latch</li></ol> You might be producing excessive milk if you notice:<ul><li>The baby is choking, gagging.</li><li>The baby is trying to clamp the nipple to slow down the flow.</li><li>The baby is trying to pull away from the breast.</li><li>The baby is refusing to nurse and is spitting up frequently.</li></ul> What to do:<ul><li>When you find your baby choking on milk, there are methods that can dislodge the milk from blocking the airway. Since babies have delicate bodies, it must be done with caution.</li><li>Turn your baby upside down and give them intermittent back blows and chest thrusts combined with gentle taps to the back, to open up the airways. The chest thrusts should be given with two or three fingers on the lower half of the breastbone, while supporting the head with the other hand. This should be continued until the block is removed.</li><li>It’s important to note that if the baby doesn’t recover and becomes unconscious, (s)he should be rushed to the nearest hospital, while still continuing the dislodging procedure.</li></ul> Prevention:<ul><li>Try and slow down your supply: Say if you are nursing with the right breast, then press your left nipple of the left breast with your right hand’s palm toward ribs and count till five. This signals your body to slow down the flow.</li><li>Stick to a single breast for a few feeds: This way one of the breasts gets fully emptied and this also slows down the flow in the other breast.</li><li>Baby’s latch: Ensure that the baby is latched properly. If the baby is latched properly, the milk should directly get into the baby’s throat and not his mouth. So when the latch is not proper, there is more risk of the baby’s mouth getting filled up with milk more than it can take and that is when your baby might end up choking.</li><li>You can recline on a surface and then feed the baby in your arms. This is a good nursing position.</li><li>While breastfeeding, if the other breast feels uncomfortable, you can express some milk from it and apply a cool compress to relieve the discomfort. As you continue this procedure, express lesser milk, until there is no need to do so.</li></ul>

A breastfeeding child chokes when (s)he takes more milk in mouth than (s)he can gulp down.

Choking during breastfeeding

When your child is doing the opposite of what you say most of the times, it indicates the possibility of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). ODD occurs due to social and environmental factors during development. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a childhood behaviour problem. A child with ODD:<ul><li>Won’t do what people ask</li><li>Thinks that what (s)he’s being asked to do is unreasonable</li><li>Gets angry and aggressive when asked to do something</li></ul> Every child gets cranky and disobeys when they’re tired, upset or frustrated. But a child with ODD behaves like this a lot, and the ODD behaviour is so severe that the child would refuse to do ordinary, everyday things just because (s)he required to do so. A child with ODD will defy what an authoritative figure says by arguing, disobeying, or talking back to their parents, teachers, or other adults.&nbsp;When this behaviour lasts longer than six months and is excessive compared to what is usual for the child's age, it may mean that the child has oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). In this case, it is best to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist who can help identify whether the child has ODD or not. Symptoms:<ul><li>Repeated temper tantrums</li><li>Excessively arguing with adults, especially those with authority</li><li>Staying irritated at adults</li><li>Refusing to comply with requests and rules</li><li>Trouble carrying out routine tasks at home and in school</li><li>Blaming others for their mistakes</li><li>Being vindictive towards others</li><li>Swearing or using obscene language</li><li>Saying mean and hateful things when upset</li><li>Low self-esteem</li></ul> Causes:Even though the exact cause of ODD is not known, following are presumed to be the underlying reasons of ODD:<ul><li>Biological: Some studies suggest that injuries to certain areas of the brain can lead to serious behavioural problems in children. ODD has also been linked to abnormal functioning of certain types of brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters.</li><li>Genetics: Children with close family members with mental illnesses probably inherit ODD.</li><li>Environmental: Factors such as a dysfunctional family life, a family history of mental illnesses and/or substance abuse, and inconsistent discipline by parents may contribute to the development of behaviour disorders in children.</li></ul> Diagnosis:After you report your child’s symptoms to a psychiatrist or psychologist, (s)he will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no lab tests to specifically diagnose ODD, the doctor may sometimes use tests such as neuroimaging studies or blood tests. Treatment:Treatment for ODD is determined based on many factors, including the child's age, the severity of symptoms, and the child's ability to participate in and tolerate specific therapies. Treatment usually consists of a combination of the following: <ul><li>Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy helps the child develop more effective coping and problem-solving skills, and ways to express and control anger. Psychotherapy includes cognitive-behavioural therapy that reshapes the child's thinking to improve their behaviour.</li><li>Medication: While there is no medication that is scientifically established or formally approved to treat ODD, drugs may sometimes be used to treat symptoms of ODD.</li></ul> Prevention:It is not possible to prevent ODD but recognising and acting on symptoms when they first appear can minimise distress to the child and family.

Here are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.

All about Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

The most common side effects of antibiotics are:<ul><li>Vomiting</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Bloating and indigestion</li><li>Severe watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramps</li><li>Allergic reactions like shortness of breath, swelling of lips/face/tongue</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Rashes</li></ul> Initial symptoms of anaphylaxis are often the same as a mild allergic reaction. They include:<ul><li>Feeling lightheaded or faint</li><li>Breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing</li><li>Whistling sound while breathing</li><li>A fast heartbeat</li><li>Sticky skin</li><li>Confusion and anxiety</li><li>Collapsing or losing consciousness</li><li>In rare cases, an antibiotic can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.</li></ul> Reducing side effects of antibiotics:Take Antibiotics as directed by your paediatrician: Some antibiotics should be taken only with water. But many others need to be taken with food, which can relieve stomach ache — a common side effect of antibiotics. Complete the course of medication: Give your child the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms clear up. If you stop giving the medication mid-course, the infection could linger and the bacteria may become resistant, setting you up for more problem. Take a Probiotic: Many antibiotics can cause soft stools or diarrhoea. That’s because they may kill some “good” bugs along with the bad, throwing off the delicate balance of bacteria in your intestine. You can give your child probiotic buttermilk. Talk to Your Doctor: Contact your physician if your child develops more serious side effects of antibiotics, including:<ul><li>Severe watery diarrhoea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>White patches on your tongue</li><li>Vaginal itching or discharge</li><li>Allergic reactions, such as a rash, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lips or tongue</li></ul>

Usually children are prescribed antibiotics which will not have any side-effects. But sometimes, a child may develop a few side-effects because of them. It is better to understand them and treat it at the right time.

Side effects of antibiotics

Some children may develop allergic reactions against the chemicals present in the household products like – shampoos, detergents, soaps, talc, or lotions. Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul> Treating allergies:<ul><li>The best way to prevent allergies of any sort in children is to avoid the source of the allergen.</li><li>In allergies, paediatricians usually prescribe antihistamine medicines for mild allergic reactions. Whereas for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, your child’s paediatrician will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI).</li></ul> The most common chemicals triggering these reactions are:<ul><li>Triclosan in soaps, deodorants, body washes</li></ul> A few tips to manage these allergies:<ul><li>Avoid your child's exposure to chemical products after diagnosis.</li><li>Replace chemical products with organic or natural cleaning products and avoid aerosol sprays.</li><li>If your child comes in contact with any of these allergens, wash the skin with water immediately and seek expert help from your child’s paediatrician.</li><li>Keep your indoors clean and hygienic if your child has allergies from household products.</li><li>Your doctor may recommend a calamine lotion or an antihistamine for mild reactions. Always keep it handy to treat skin inflammations arising due to chemicals in the products.</li></ul>

Children may sometimes develop allergy to indoor allergens as well. Hence it is important to maintain the hygiene of your house.

Cosmetic product allergy

Samiksha Choithani

A child gets nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord when the baby is in the womb but after birth the umbilical cord is not needed and hence it is tied (clamped and snipped) leaving behind a short tail like rod. This too will dry and fall off. Until then take a little extra care:&nbsp;1.)&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep the cord dry, you can use the powder that your paediatrician has suggested2.)&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not comfortable in keeping it dry while bathing, you can go for sponging for first few weeks3.)&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not try to pull it off, let it dry and fall off.&nbsp;Sometimes it may bleed when the cord falls off that are normal do not worry about it.

A child gets nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord when the baby is in the womb but after birth the umbilical cord is not needed. Read more to know how you can take a little extra care.

How to take care of my child’s umbilical cord?

Seafood allergy is an immune response induced by the proteins present in the seafood. This is because the body perceives seafood proteins as a threat and results in an allergic reaction.Seafood allergy, particularly fish allergies tend to stay on for life.Seafood is broadly categorised into fish (Tuna, Cod, Flounder, etc.), Crustaceans (crabs, lobster, crayfish, shrimp, prawn, etc.) and Molluscs (squid, snails, clams, oysters, scallops, etc.).If a child is diagnosed with a specific fish allergy, chances are (s)he may be allergic to more than one type of fish.If a child is allergic to fish, it does not mean that they will necessarily develop allergies towards crustaceans and molluscs as well.Confirm any type of allergy after proper diagnosis by a healthcare expert. Symptoms:<ul><li>Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing or dry cough</li><li>Eczema (a dry, itchy rash) or hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas on the skin)</li><li>Redness of the skin around the mouth or eyes</li><li>Itchy mouth, ear canal or lip swelling, odd taste in the mouth</li><li>Nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pain</li><li>Severe reactions include loss of consciousness, chest pain, turning pale, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or anaphylaxis.</li></ul> Diagnosis:Seek help from a healthcare expert to get your child diagnosed of the seafood allergy. The doctor will examine your child’s symptoms, medical history, family history, and may suggest a few tests like skin prick tests, blood tests or Oral Food Challenge. Precautions:<ul><li>Avoid all kinds of seafood as the intensity of the reactions varies each time. Even trace amounts of allergens in seafood can cause life-threatening reactions.</li><li>Always read the ingredients on food labels.</li><li>Avoid visiting or eating at Seafood restaurants if your child has an allergy, as the vapours from cooking fish may trigger allergic reactions in highly sensitive children.</li><li>Avoid taking your child to the fish market due to the risk of cross-contact or cross-contamination.</li><li>Always have an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) handy. Inform your child's school or caretakers about the seafood allergy and ensure they have an AAI.</li></ul> Foods to avoid:<ul><li>Pre-packed Scampi, which may contain white fish, imitation crab</li><li>Worcestershire/Barbecue sauces, Caesar salad dressings (may contain anchovies)</li><li>Even nougat or marshmallows may contain fish gelatin</li></ul> Possible sources of crustaceans or molluscs are:<ul><li>Fish Stock, sauces, soups, seafood flavourings, bouillabaisse, and cuttlefish ink</li><li>Fish cakes, pies, nutritional supplements</li><li>Fish food, pet food, fertilisers</li><li>Though Omega 3 fatty acids are recommended as a therapeutic option in children with allergy, fish-based Omega 3 products might still contain fish protein. Hence they need to be avoided as well.</li></ul> Seafood poisoning and seafood allergy:<ul><li>Seafood poisoning and seafood allergies are two totally different things even though their symptoms may seem similar.</li><li>Seafood poisoning is caused due to due to toxins and infections. The most common forms are given below:</li><li>Fish poisoning: Occurs after ingesting fish which is improperly frozen or poorly cooked, causing the bacteria to grow.</li><li>Herring worm infection: This is caused due to a parasite ingested while eating raw or pickled seafood.</li><li>Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP): A toxin-induced seafood poisoning occurs in a child when (s)he ingests fish which contains algae toxin - ciguatoxins.</li><li>The treatments for seafood allergy and seafood toxins are also completely different. In seafood allergy, doctors usually prescribe antihistamine medications and adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) to children. Whereas in seafood poisoning, the medicine prescriptions are different. In any case, never give medications which haven’t been prescribed by your child’s paediatrician.</li></ul>

teeth cleaning health concerns

Following article(s) will help solve your concern.