Asthma and Exercise can Go Hand in Hand

Asthma and exercise can go hand in hand. Parents misconceptions that exercise can be risky for their asthmatic children may be partly to blame for levels of physical activity among children with the disease, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

The study, found that 20 percent of children with asthma do not get enough exercise, even though research has shown that running, swimming and other kinds of physical activity decrease the severity of asthma symptoms.

Researchers conducted a telephone survey of 137 parents of children with asthma and 106 parents of healthy children. About 20 percent of all parents indicated they believed that exercise is dangerous for children with asthma.

About 25 percent of the parents of asthmatic children said they were afraid that exercise would make their child sick, and that their child gets upset with strenuous activity. The children of parents who expressed such views were more likely than other children to be inactive.

"These results are troubling" study lead author Dr. David Lang said in a prepared statement.

"Despite medical advances and a better understanding of asthma, we found that beliefs still exist that exercise is dangerous for asthmatic children and that children with asthma should not exercise. In reality, physical activity has important benefits for all children, including those with asthma," Lang said.

It's essential that pediatrician educate asthmatic children adn their parents about the benefits of exercise, he said.

Protecting your home from Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny organisms that are distantly related to spiders. They thrive most on humid conditions. Bedsheets, pillows and blankets are perfect homes for these bugs. Though seemingly harmless, these creatures and their fecal matter are allergens that could signal itchiness and asthmatic attacks. Since dust is virtually indispensable. Follow this tips to minimize dist mite exposure:

1. Keep indoor humidity as low as possible.

2. Fix any sources of water leaks in the house, particularly the basement.

3. Eliminate surfaces that collect dust, like carpets and upholstered furniture. Smooth surfaces keep dust levels low.

4. Discard old papers that magazines dusts. Seal unused blankets and sheets in plastics bags.

5. Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

6. Place stuff toys in a freezer overnight once a week to kill dust mites.

Common Allergies among Children

Atopic dermatitis

The child may develop skin lesions that are red, swollen, itchy, crusty or scaly. In infants, the marks usually appear on the cheeks. Atop dermatitis may be present as early as the first 2 to 3 months of life, disappear, then resurface to around 3 to 5 years.

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever

This refers to an allergic reaction to pollen from trees and grass. Symptoms include sneezing, watery and itchy nose, nasal obstruction and, in some instances, watery eyes. It is often seen in children above 3 to 4 years.

Asthma

This common lung disease is characterized by the irritability of the ling airways to certain stimuli. Children with allergic asthma suffer symptoms of cough and wheezing after exposure to allergens like pollen and dust. A child may have asthma at any age, but majority of children experience their first symptoms at around age 4.

Food allergy

Some children have unwanted reactions following ingestion of different types of foods. Shellfish, nuts and other seeds, cow's milk and wheat are some of the foods that are potentially allergenic. Eating these foods cause some children to have swelling of the mouth or lips, generalized, itchy skin eruptions (wheals) or asthma. Allergy to cow's milk in infants may manifest as gastrointestinal upset (crying and irritability), vomiting or watery, blood streaked stools.