Allergy Season Is Just Around the Corner

For some in the Chicago area, allergy season means a trip to one the various hospitals in Illinois for shots and more. The three recommended treatments include avoidance, immunotherapy and medication. The first of these, avoidance, is up to the patient. The experts recommend the following suggestions to avoid some allergens. During the pollen season when the pollen count is high, stay indoors as much as possible. This is especially important during windy days, which can happen frequently for those in the Chicago area.

Another way to avoid some allergens is to dust proof your home. Since you spend so much time in the bedroom sleeping, it is especially important to dust proof that area. If possible eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting, Venetian blinds, down-filled blankets or pillows and clean out closets filled with clothes. Another way to help eliminate allergens is to wash bedding, curtains and clothing often in hot water to eliminate dust mites. Also, keep the bedding in dust covers when possible.

During the windy days it is recommended to use air conditioning rather than opening the windows and letting the allergens in. If possible consider use a dehumidifier in the damp areas of the home and keep it clean. Use good filters with your heating and air conditioning units and change or clean them often. If you are going to work in the yard during pollen season you may consider wearing a mask over your mouth and nose. And the number one avoidance option is to get out of town and head to the ocean during the heaviest part of the allergy season.

If these still don't keep you out of one of the hospitals in Chicago area you will probably then be provided the other two treatments for allergies. The first of these is immunotherapy, more commonly known as allergy shots. This is most commonly used for patients with hay fever and/or asthma. Some of these are provided in centers for home health care in Illinois also.

The shots include a mixture of the various pollens, mold spores, animal danders and dust mites to which the patient is allergic. The mixture in the shot is a vaccine called an allergy extract. What it often does is build up the immune system in the patient to fight off the allergens by itself. Even though these often work, it is important to remember that you need to keep taking your medication until your immune system is built up and you should continue to eliminate the allergens in your home.

The third treatment provided by Chicago south west suburbs physicians for allergies is medication. There are many effective medications that your physician can prescribe to help you during the allergy season. Antihistamines are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. Decongestants also are used to treat allergic reactions such as nasal congestion.

For those who need stronger medications based on the severity of their allergic reactions there are bronchodilators to help open the narrowed lungs and relieve the symptoms. There are also anti-inflammatory medications to decrease the inflammation that occurs with asthma. The newest kid on the block are anti-leukotrienes that help decrease the narrowing of the lung. Be sure to consult your physician for more information before taking any allergy medication.

Getting Allergy Shots for Hay Fever

Do you have hay fever that doesn't seem to go away? You may have already tried all sorts of cure but nothing seems to work and you're already feeling frustrated. If this is your case, then you may want to try immunotherapy. This is a process which involves making up a mixture of your allergens and injecting increasing doses into your body on a weekly basis to make the allergy go away.

Each shot will contain enough amount of allergen to stimulate your immune system although not to the extent of producing symptoms. A shot like this is best given to those who have allergic rhinitis due to the following:

• Pollen

• Dust mites

• Pet dander

• Mold

• Insect stings

• Some drugs

• Allergy-induced asthma

These shots are given regularly and one complete treatment typically lasts between 3 and 5 years. Now, you may think that it's a long period; however, good results await those who endure because the expected effects can last a lifetime.

Basically, the procedure works like how a vaccine does. Your body is presented with small amount of what causes your allergies. Then, your immune system learns how to deal with the allergens appropriately. The dosage is increased in a gradual manner to desensitize your immune system until the symptoms disappear completely. This procedure has a relatively high rate of success. More than 80% of those who tried it experienced significant improvement.

Now, you may be wondering who the best candidates for these injections are and whether you're one of them. Here is a simple guideline that can help:

• If you have tried all sorts of treatments including medications or you are suffering from side effects, you may want to try getting these shots.

• If you have been suffering from allergic rhinitis for a long time and already feeling tired of it.

• If you detest taking medications or they are too costly for you, this procedure may be sensible. Besides, there are some insurance plans which can help cover the cost of this treatment so you can save a lot.

• If it's impossible or difficult to avoid your allergens because your job or routine requires you to get in contact with them regularly.

Now some of the precautions you need to know are these: Shots should never be given to children under two years old. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, getting these shots is not advisable. However, if you were already getting them before you conceived, then the doctor may suggest that you continue with the procedure.

Shots for hay fever are generally safe as long as given properly. However, they also have potential serious side effects. This is because the course of treatment involves the exposure to the substances you are allergic to. This is why it's crucial to work with a highly qualified allergist when going through this treatment. In case a serious reaction to the allergy shots happens, he or she should have all the necessary medications and equipment to countermeasure the bad effect.

External Factors That Cause Shih Tzu Allergies

The Shih Tzu is a dog that is known to suffer from allergies more than other breeds. The causes of these allergies can be varied. While food is one potential cause of allergic reactions in Shih Tzu, many other types of allergic reactions are due to external causes. If your dog suddenly starts displaying signs of allergies, it is important to identify the cause as soon as possible.
 
Signs of allergies
 
Allergic reactions can come in many forms. If you see your Shih Tzu scratching much more than usual, sneezing constantly, or displaying a runny nose and eyes, then he may have allergies. The same goes for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive head shaking, and difficulty breathing. I always advise a healthy dose of common sense when observing your Shih Tzu; all dogs display these symptoms at some point or another. One sneeze or cough doesn't mean your dog has allergies. On the other hand, if these signs persist for a day or two, and you're not sure what you're dealing with, you can always consult your vet for an opinion or diagnosis.
 
Causes of allergies
 
Pollens are a common cause of allergies in Shih Tzu. If your dog is suffering in spring or summer, and if your dog sneezes or continuously rubs his face with his paws, pollen could be the reason since concentrations are highest during the spring and summer months. Washing your dog's bed often, cleaning his eyes, and using HEPA filters when cleaning the house can all help reduce pollen allergies. Your vet can prescribe antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If this doesn't work, steroids may be prescribed, but be very careful with the use of steroids, since these can cause many other health issues.
 
Like pollens, house dust can also cause a Shih Tzu to suffer. All houses have some dust, but moving your Shih Tzu's bed into a room with bare floors and without carpets or heavy drapes (all dust collectors) can make a huge difference.
 
Flea bites can cause reactions in every breed of dog, so you must check your Shih Tzu for fleas regularly. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; flea bites can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems. Look for rashes or irritated skin, and ask your vet about the best treatments.
 
Contact allergies result from something that is applied to a Shih Tzu's body from the outside. Some examples are shampoos, ointments, and flea medicine, but can also include things like furniture polish and deodorant powders if your Shih Tzu comes into contact with areas that contain them. I recommend you use the same strategies as with food allergies; start eliminating potential culprits until the allergy goes away. Then you will know what the cause really was.
 
Some dogs are even known to have allergic reactions to vaccinations, and since your Shih Tzu will receive yearly shots, it's important to pay attention to when allergies start. Did they happen immediately after the last set of shots? If so, I recommend informing the vet so he can take action. Remember: just because your dog had the same shot last year and was fine doesn't mean he will be fine this time around.
 
If the allergy persists
 
If there is no obvious pattern to your Shih Tzu's allergies, and if you've looked high and low to try and isolate the cause and can't find anything in the house or immediate area that could be causing the problem, it is possible that your dog's allergies are being caused by something else, such as their diet. When in doubt, check with your vet for advice, but above all, be mindful of your pet's behavior so that you can act as quickly as possible to help them feel better.

Reactions and Allergies

The word allergy comes from two Greek words: "allos" meaning other and "ergon" meaning work. Allergic reactions are abnormal over-reactions by the immune system to harmless, protein substances called allergens, which are contacted through the skin, inhaled or injected. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergy.

Common Allergens:

• Animal dander. This is material shed from the body such as feathers, dried skin, hair and feathers)


• Bee stings


• Foods, especially nuts, fish, shellfish


• Insect bites


• Medications


• Plants


• Pollen.

Causes:

Allergic reactions can be caused by two main factors: host factors or environmental factors.

Host factors:

• Hereditary; the likelihood of developing an allergy is inherited but the specific allergen to which you are allergic is not inherited.


• Sex: boys are at a higher risk of sensitivity than girls (except in the case of asthma).


• Race, although this may be as much to do with to environmental factors as race itself.


• Age: younger children are at greater risk of sensitivity.

Environmental factors:

• Exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood


• Pollution


• Allergen levels


• Dietary changes

Symptoms:

• Skin:




• Redness


• Itching


• Inflammation


• Blistering


• Weeping


• Crusting


• Rash


• Eruptions


• Hives (which are itchy bumps or welts)


• Lungs:


• Wheezing


• Tightness


• Chest discomfort


• Difficulty breathing


• Difficulty swallowing


• Coughing


• Shortness of breath




• Head:


• Swelling of face, eyelids, tongue, lips and throat


• Redness


• Headaches


• Dizziness or light-headedness


• Weakness


• Anxiety, apprehension or fear


• Nose:


• Blocked or stuffy nose


• Nasal congestion


• Runny nose


• Sneezing


• Eyes:


• Red and bloodshot


• Itchy


• Swollen


• Watery


• Stomach:


• Pain


• Cramps


• Nausea


• Vomiting


• Diarrhoea


• Bloody Diarrhoea


• Severe reactions:


• Unconsciousness


• Anaphylaxis


• Shock

In severe cases anaphylaxis can occur and this requires immediate medical attention. It is a combination of other allergic symptoms that appear rapidly and are potentially life-threatening. It can induce shock; one sign of shock is that organs don't get enough blood, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, due to very low blood pressure. The person may appear red or pale, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious or they may be unconscious. The person also has difficulty breathing. Anaphylactic shock is caused by sudden dilation or widening of many, or several large, blood vessels brought on by the action of chemical mediators. A sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest or death.

At the moment there is a theory called the hygiene hypothesis which has been "extensively investigated by immunologists and epidemiologists". It involves the idea that people who live in too sterile environments are not exposed to enough pathogens to keep their immune system busy so it over-reacts to normally harmless substances. There is some evidence to show that allergic diseases are more common in industrialised countries or urban areas rather than more traditional agricultural countries or rural areas. Also, using antibiotics to treat babies under 1 year old has been linked to an increase in asthma and other allergies, as has the use of antibacterial cleaning products.

The Immune Response:

In an allergic reaction the immune system recognises the particles (such as dust or pollen) as foreign and initiates a two-phase immune response. The first phase is called the acute response and occurs immediately after exposure to the allergen. T-lymphocyte cells, which are white blood cells involved in immune response, recognise the allergen as foreign and produce cytokines (these are similar to hormones and are involved in cellular communication). Cytokines stimulate another type of white blood cell, called B-lymphocytes, to produce specific antibodies (antibodies are proteins with a variable region that has a complementary shape to a specific antigen). In allergic reactions the specific antibody is called immunoglobulin E or IgE. IgE binds to special IgE receptors on mast cells and basophiles. Mast cells are found in connective tissues while basophiles circulate in the blood; both are involved in inflammatory responses. This first stage is known as sensitisation because the body is now sensitive to a particular, normally harmless, particle. Therefore when the body encounters the substance again, the allergen (substance) binds to the IgE which is on the surface of mast cells and basophiles. This activates the mast cells and basophiles to release histamine, from stores known as granules, into surrounding tissues. Histamine causes:

• Blood vessels to dilate so blood pressure drops.


• Stimulates glands in the nose and respiratory passages to produce mucous, also known as phlegm.


• Mucous membranes, which line the nose and respiratory passages, to swell because fluid leaks out of the blood vessels.


• It stimulates nerves.


• Smooth muscle contraction. (In asthma the muscles surrounding the windpipe contract narrowing the airways and increasing the resistance to air flow so breathing is difficult.)

The second phase in the immune response is called the late-phase response. This normally occurs 2-24 hours after the acute response, once the chemical mediators such as the cytokines, have subsided. The chemicals released earlier by the mast cells attract other types of inflammatory immune cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, to the site. These produce chemicals and other, generally toxic, substances that irritate the body. Neutrophils also release chemicals and enzymes which break down proteins causing further tissue damage.

Treatment:

For mild cases:

First aid can be administered before further medical help arrives. This includes:

- Calming and reassuring the person: anxiety can often worsen symptoms.
- Identifying the allergen and if possible removing it and avoiding further contact.
- Applying calamine lotion, a cool compress or cortisone cream to rashes.

Oral antihistamines can be taken but these have adverse side effects including making you drowsy and affecting your concentration so you aren't allowed to drive or operate machinery if you are on them. They should only be taken for a few days. For rashes anti-inflammatory steroid cream or cold wet cloths can be applied to cool the area.

For severe cases:

Emergency medical help should be sought, don't wait to see if the symptoms worsen, because they can worsen very rapidly so it is better to get medical attention as quickly as possible. Again first aid can be administered while you wait for further help to arrive:

- If they are unconscious use DR. ABC. This stands for danger, response, airways, breathing, and circulation.
- Danger: First check that you aren't endangering yourself or the other person. Remove any dangerous objects that may be around.
- Response: Call their name and introduce yourself (even if the person knows you well) watch for any response either verbal or movement.
- Airways: Check that their airway is clear, removing any objects that may be obstructing the airways (such as chewing gum), tilt the head back slightly to open the airways.
- Breathing: Check that the person is breathing by placing your head close to their mouth and nose, listening and feeling for breath or moisture. If they aren't breathing then you should begin mouth to mouth resuscitation by pinching their nose and placing you own mouth over theirs creating a seal, then breathe hard into their mouth.
- Circulation: To check that the person's heart is still beating, find the pulse in their neck which should be just to the side of the windpipe. If there is no pulse begin Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by doing chest compressions to try to pump the heart. (If they aren't breathing either include breaths as well)
- If the person is awake calm them and reassure them.
- Identify and remove the allergen where possible.
- Administer emergency medication if the person has it, for example an auto-injector with a pre-measured dose of the drug epinephrine (Epipen)
- To treat shock lie them flat (unless it causes discomfort or makes breathing difficult) and raise the person's feet, keep them warm.

Medical treatment for severe allergic reactions may include providing oxygen support or even artificial ventilation. Also fluids may be injected in to veins (intravenously-IV) to help raise the blood pressure.

For more long-term treatments antihistamines can be prescribed such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin). Nasal corticosteroids can be prescribed for persistent nasal symptoms; these include fluticasone (flonase), mometasone (Nasonex) and triamcinolone (Nasacort). For more severe cases Epinephrine can be injected as this acts as a bronchodilator (it widens the bronchus and bronchioles which are part of the windpipe). Epinephrine also constricts blood vessels so blood pressure increases. Inhalers can also be prescribed and antihistamines can be given intravenously or intra-muscularly to counter the histamine that the body has produced. Corticosteroids can be given intravenously for a rapid reversal of the effects of the chemical mediators produced by the body.

For people with persistent or disruptive allergy symptoms immunotherapy can be given. Immunotherapy reduces the severity of the reaction or eliminates hypersensitivity altogether. There are several different methods of immunotherapy:

1. Allergy shots. These alter the immune response which prevents future reactions. They are administered as a series of shots containing increasing amounts of the specific antigen to which the person is allergic. The person should then become desensitised.


2. Another method is to progressively distort the production of another antibody called Immunoglobulin G which blocks the excessive Immunoglobulin E production. This means that the person builds up increasing immunity to increasing amounts of the allergen.


3. Intravenous injections can be given, containing monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies against one specific antigen produced by a cloned hybridoma cell. (Hybridoma cells are B lymphocyte cells fused with myeloma cells) These monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies bind to free and B-lymphocyte-associated IgE, which signals their destruction. They don't bind to IgE that is already on mast cells as this would stimulate an allergic reaction.


4. Sublingual immunotherapy. This can be administered orally and it takes advantage of oral immune tolerance to non-pathogenic antigens such as food and bacteria. In other words the immune system doesn't attack these antigens.

Prevention:

One of the best ways to prevent allergic reactions is to identify what triggers them and then avoid or remove the triggers as much as possible.

Tests:

Skin tests: These tests are more sensitive, simpler and cheaper than blood testing. It involves exposing the skin to small amounts of various substances, or suspected allergens and assesses the presence of IgE antibodies. The substance can be injected intradermally (into the skin). If you are allergic to that substance then a visible inflammatory reaction occurs within 30 minutes. There is a scale of severity where +/- means borderline reactivity and +4 means a large reaction. These tests are usually carried out on the forearm or the back.

Blood tests:
Blood tests measure the total IgE level by estimating the amount of IgE in the serum.

Allergic Reactions due to body piercings:

People can get allergic reactions from body piercings for two reasons: they are allergic to the metal or they are allergic to a product used as part of aftercare treatment.

Metal allergy due to inferior jewellery:
Symptoms include:

• Redness


• Itchy


• Burning


• Tender


• Highly inflamed around the piercing


• Localised dermatitis


• Granulation tissue where visible


• Opening of the piercing appears significantly larger then the jewellery


• The tissue around the piercing appears to retreat from the piercing.

This can be treated by using biocompatible jewellery such as Titanium or a low-porosity plastic like Tygon or PTFE.

Often the jewellery can cause problems because it is poor quality or you are sensitive to it and have allergic reactions. If you catch an infection then you must eliminate the reservoir which is often the jewellery. Cheap nickel or brass commonly triggers allergic reactions and in some cases antibiotics may be needed. Alloys of gold, copper, silver and trace metals can also be irritating and prevent complete healing, therefore it may be better opting for more expensive but good quality jewellery such as titanium which is inert and used in internal surgery although it must be highly polished to reduce its porosity. Implant grade stainless steel is good as well because it is least likely to produce an allergic reaction or an infection. The implant grade stainless steel must be approved by ASTM and meet standard 316L and 316LM.

The American Society for Testing Materials or ASTM was originally set up 100years ago by engineers to standardise steel used in railways. Now it is used for standardising many other things as well. A standard is a document which is developed and established within consensus principles of an organisation which meets the requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations. It is usually developed by the people who have a stake in the standard's development or use. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is the European equivalent of ASTM. "Isos" is also the Greek word for equal which is also why it is called ISO as the actual words translate differently in different languages. Standards ensure desirable characteristics of products and services such as quality, environmental friendliness, safety, reliability and efficiency. It is recommended that titanium used in jewellery should meet ASTM standard F67, F136 or better, whereas steel should meet ASTM F138, F1537 or better and it should only be worn temporarily and only in healed piercings. 24 karat gold and platinum alloyed with Iridium or Ruthenium are biologically inert but they are heavy, soft and easily scratched and damaged. 18 Karat gold (75% gold) can be used in new piercings and 14 karat gold in healed ones, but gold-filled or plated jewellery should be avoided as the metal is thin and wears away or is chipped easily. Silver is bad as it tarnishes and can be deposited so that it permanently darkens and stains the skin. However, sterling silver is OK in most piercings but not in places where the skin is moist such as the mouth or genitals.

Product allergy:

Symptoms:

• Delayed healing


• Localised irritation


• Redness


• Localised dermatitis


• Seeping


• Expansion of piercing channel

To treat this you should stop using the aftercare or your current care regime and use a milder product with less aftercare.

Fruit Juices and Prescription Drugs - A Deadly Mix?

If I suggested to you that a glass of grapefruit or orange juice in the morning might be harming your health, you'd probably think I'd lost my mind. Everybody knows that citrus juice is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. You also know that juice is an easy way to boost your fruit and vegetable intake, so it can be part of a healthy diet.

But if you take prescription drugs, you need to think twice before you reach for a glass of juice.

New research shows that many different kinds of juices change the affects of prescription drugs. For a long time, doctors and scientists have known that grapefruit juice and many drugs don't mix, but it turns out grapefruit juice isn't the only juice you need to worry about. It is one of the most dangerous, though, so let's start by looking at why if you take prescriptions, you should avoid grapefruit juice.

How Grapefruit Juice Can Turn Your Prescription Into a Killer

Among juice and drug interactions, grapefruit juice is unique. As you'll see, many fruit juices can reduce drug effectiveness. However, for some drugs, grapefruit juice can actually make them more powerful. That might sound like a good thing, but it can actually be deadly.

Grapefruit juice alters the digestive compounds in your gut, and that can make you absorb more of certain prescription drugs than is normal. Higher-than-normal absorption rates of any prescription can create unexpected side effects. 1 It can even result in death.

The drugs that are dangerously enhanced by grapefruit juice include:

Dihydropyridines
Terfenadine
Saquinavir
Cyclosporine
Midazolam
Triazolam
Verapamil
Lovastatin
Cisapride
Astemizole

If you take any of these prescriptions, you should not drink grapefruit juice at all. The drug-enhancing affects of grapefruit juice last up to 24 hours, so it's just not a safe mix.

Other Juices and Other Drugs

Grapefruit juice isn't the only concern. In a recent study done at the University of Western Ontario and soon to be presented to the American Chemical Society, researchers showed that many juices actually reduce the effectiveness of some drugs.

Most fruit juices will undermine the effects of drugs used to treat cancer, certain heart conditions, and high blood pressure. Grapefruit, orange, and apple juices all interfered with antibiotics and allergy medications, as well.

The prescriptions that are most inhibited by juices are etoposide (a cancer drug), beta blockers (blood pressure medication), fexfendaine (for hay fever), and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. 2

The researchers underscore that this study isn't exhaustive. There are probably many juice and drug interactions that aren't yet known.

Have Your Juice and Drink It, Too

So what can you do? Do you have to give up juice altogether?

If you are taking any of the prescriptions listed above, then you should avoid grapefruit juice completely. If you're taking other drugs, though, you don't have to give up your favorite juice. You just have to be careful about when you drink it.

Researchers found that fruit juices that affect drug performance only do so if you drink them within two hours of taking the medicine. Drinking juice four hours from taking your medicine had no effect.

That means you can enjoy your orange juice or apple juice-just don't take your pills with it.

Why Dog Lovers Hate Designer Puppy Breeders

Many designer puppy breeders produce puppies solely for the money and could care less about the health and welfare of the puppies they sell. If you love dogs, that's why you might despise mixed breed or designer dog breeders.

Let's look at two Cockapoo dog breeders and check out the differences between the two in terms of their approach to an actual purchase.

Case Study - Living Proof of a Less Than Reputable Cockapoo Puppy Breeder
I purchased a Bichon Cockapoo (Alvin) online. It was my first online pet purchase and I did as much research as I thought was necessary. It wasn't enough.

Alvin arrived with a urinary tract infection, an intestinal parasite, and a scratching/allergy condition. The first two conditions were resolved with antibiotics and medication to kill the parasites, but both took a month to correct with several rounds of medication.

After 4 months, ear drops, skin mite shots, and prescription food, he's still scratching. Interesting that the last email I sent to the breeder mentioned the scratching. There was no response and I haven't heard from her since.

Clearly, this breeder is not reliable and represents the type of puppy breeder dog lovers rant about constantly in pet forums.

Case Study - Living Proof of a Reputable Cockapoo Puppy Breeder
Three months after getting Alvin, I purchased a second Cockapoo (Simon) from a puppy breeder in Pennsylvania. This time I visited the dog breeder, saw the puppy, and talked at length with the breeder about his care. She explained the type of food, supplements, and housetraining techniques to use.

The breeder and I continue to correspond via email about the puppy's care. Simon checked out perfectly with my vet and continues to get the required vaccinations.

Of the two breeders I discussed in this article, which one would you pick for your next Cockapoo puppy?

Who's Responsible?
My experience tells me that not all Cockapoo breeders are greedy and uncaring. Granted, there are hundreds of dog breeders who create havoc for their more reputable colleagues.

But isn't it up to the consumer to do the research before the purchase? Who's to blame if you buy a dog whose breeder does not care for the animal? Look in the mirror, please!

Asthma Action Plan And Triggers

People with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An action plan lets you and your doctor to make a personalized plan for controlling your asthma. An asthma action plan is a tactic that you could use to deal with your asthma when it gets out of control. Studies have discovered that having a written plan helps you manage your asthma at home.

Asthma action plan should include a list of triggers that are responsible for asthma symptoms and how to stay away from them. Each person with asthma should know that they have certain triggers that make them wheeze or cough or get tight in the chest. This awareness can supplement and harmonize therapy with drugs. That is why knowing your triggers is very important. In addition, it may open up avenues for additional treatment, such as allergy shots or drops.Nobody knows exactly what causes asthma. It's thought to be a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. A youngster with asthma might have a parent or other close relative who has asthma or had it as a child. Anyway there are few common triggers that should be considered in your asthma action plan:

• Allergy - dust, pollen, cats, dogs, your pet, lots more.
• Bronchial illness or inflammation which means wheezing with colds and flu. An asthma action plan is necessary.
• Cold air and work out could be vital even if asthma is well controlled. There are ways to help manage this difficulty.
• Emotion and stress, usually neglected, but significant
• Foods some foods trigger asthma. Also there are some irritants like cigarette smoke and pollution

Talk about these triggers with your doctor or your respiratory physician and make your asthma action plan.

If your child suffers from asthma, prevention is half the battle. Some actions you should included in your asthma action plan: No smoking, and get rid of all allergy triggers.

• Keep pets out of bedroom -- or even better, out of the house.

• Stay calm. When your kid is having problem during an asthma attack, it's easy to panic. But your losing control just worsens your child's stress response, further contracting his airways. Having a clear asthma action plan for how to respond will help ease some of your concern.

• Get Up and Go. Kids who hang out in front of the TV for two hours a day appear to double their risk of developing asthma. The assumption is that TV watching takes the place of physical activity. Researchers suppose there's a connection between lack of physical activity and a change in the structure and function of the lungs.

• Go swimming. Seems like swimming does an outstanding job of reducing asthma symptoms in kids, even though some children do have reactions to the chlorine.