Most of the research both on otitis media and OME over the past ten years has focused on the effects of temporary hearing loss on the development of language skills in children younger than 3 years old. One study examined a group of 3 to 8-years-olds who had histories of chronic ear infections and OME, all of whom got ear infections before 18 monts of age. The study found that although these children did misarticulate more consonants than children without histories of ear infections, both groups made errors on the same sounds.
Several studies suggest a direct relationship between educational achievement and occurance of otitis media and OME. Interestingly, a few of these studies also suggest that children with intermittent hearing loss may have more difficulties with speech and language that children with steady mild-to-moderate hearing impairment.
But one study of 698 children of diverse backgrounds showed that prolonged or chronic otitis media or OME, especially in children between 6 to 12 months, may put children at risk for cognitive delays at around 3 years of age. Conceivably, if these children were identified and given help their cognitive deficits were first uncovered, they would be able to get back up to speed, and thus, even by the age of 5, be at reduced risk for negative development effects. These finding provide an even stronger argument for early testing of hearing impairment, especially in at risk children.
Most importantly, remember that the window during which screening and subsequent therapy will held a child overcome any developmental deficits brought on by hearing loss is brief, and considered by most experts to end at age 3. This even more reason to have early and frequent testing and pursue corrective therapy if needed.
Sabtu, 06 Agustus 2011
Sabtu, 02 Juli 2011
EAR INFECTION
More than 10 million children are treated each year for ear infections, and chances are, your child is one of them. If an ear infection clears up quickly, it's no more of problem than the common cold. In many cases, however, ear infections become chronic, which can cause permanent hearing loss in small children.
The first two years of life are critical for the development of language skills and obviously hearing function plays the pivotal role in this achievement. Hearing impairment is thus a fundamentally important issue, as it is related to significant delays in speech and language development, both of which affect academic performance as well as social and emotional growth. It's also important to note that children with hearing impairment often demonstrate emotional and behavioral problems that, in and of themselves, can result in poor academic performance.
Despite the fact that ear infection are so common and that they often lead to hearing problems, hearing impairment is generally not recognized until a child is between 2 and 2.5 years old. But is imperative to identify hearing loss much earlier. As many as 80 percent of children get middle ear infections , technically known as otitis media, by the age of three. These middle ear infection can affect a child's hearing when they become chronic, or when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. A middle ear infection that includes fluid buildup behind the eardrum is called otitis media with effusion (OME). These middle ear infections, especially OME, are the most common causes of inadequate hearing in children.
Smarter Child Tip A recent study showed that infants who used pacifiers had a 40 percent increase in the risk of ear infections; interestingly, when parents were counseled to reduce use of the pacifiers, the study demonstrated a 29 percent decrease in the rate of ear infections. They added that since ear infections are so common in childhood, even a slight change in habits that reduces their frequency would be extremely beneficial in preventing infections. But don't throw out the pacifier yet. A recent study sugested that babies who sucked on pacifiers while falling asleep were at a dramatically reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So the sensible solution seems to be reserving the use of pacifiers to calm your baby at bedtime.
It is also important to recognize that most middle ear infections (about two-thirds of uncomplicated infections) will clear up on their own within twenty-four hours, and in more than 80 percent of uncomplicated infections, symptoms will diminish or disappear within one to seven days. Since many middle ear infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections, do not help to clear up the primary infection, nor they eliminate middle ear fluid. Antibiotics, which are widely overused in treating ear infections, are thus frequently unnecessary, and can even be harmful in some cases, as overusing antibiotics can breed antibiotics-resistant strains of bacteria. Perhaps even more important is the fact that frequent use of antibiotics in children has been linked to a higher incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Of course, it's up to your doctor whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic, but all too often, doctors succumb to the pleading of anxious parents who feel that an antibiotic will solve the problem quickly. The reality is, it makes better sense to monitor the problem for a week or so to see if it resolves on its own. As noted earlier, in most cases, it will. Save the antibiotic for the rare ear infection so severe that it doesn't clear up on its own.
As for removing the adenoids of children suffering from recurrent ear infections, recent has shown the benefit of this procedure with respect to reducing frequency of ear infections to be so small that many doctors now do not recommend this approach as a primary treatment in children up to 2 years of age.
The first two years of life are critical for the development of language skills and obviously hearing function plays the pivotal role in this achievement. Hearing impairment is thus a fundamentally important issue, as it is related to significant delays in speech and language development, both of which affect academic performance as well as social and emotional growth. It's also important to note that children with hearing impairment often demonstrate emotional and behavioral problems that, in and of themselves, can result in poor academic performance.
Despite the fact that ear infection are so common and that they often lead to hearing problems, hearing impairment is generally not recognized until a child is between 2 and 2.5 years old. But is imperative to identify hearing loss much earlier. As many as 80 percent of children get middle ear infections , technically known as otitis media, by the age of three. These middle ear infection can affect a child's hearing when they become chronic, or when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. A middle ear infection that includes fluid buildup behind the eardrum is called otitis media with effusion (OME). These middle ear infections, especially OME, are the most common causes of inadequate hearing in children.
Smarter Child Tip A recent study showed that infants who used pacifiers had a 40 percent increase in the risk of ear infections; interestingly, when parents were counseled to reduce use of the pacifiers, the study demonstrated a 29 percent decrease in the rate of ear infections. They added that since ear infections are so common in childhood, even a slight change in habits that reduces their frequency would be extremely beneficial in preventing infections. But don't throw out the pacifier yet. A recent study sugested that babies who sucked on pacifiers while falling asleep were at a dramatically reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So the sensible solution seems to be reserving the use of pacifiers to calm your baby at bedtime.
It is also important to recognize that most middle ear infections (about two-thirds of uncomplicated infections) will clear up on their own within twenty-four hours, and in more than 80 percent of uncomplicated infections, symptoms will diminish or disappear within one to seven days. Since many middle ear infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections, do not help to clear up the primary infection, nor they eliminate middle ear fluid. Antibiotics, which are widely overused in treating ear infections, are thus frequently unnecessary, and can even be harmful in some cases, as overusing antibiotics can breed antibiotics-resistant strains of bacteria. Perhaps even more important is the fact that frequent use of antibiotics in children has been linked to a higher incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Of course, it's up to your doctor whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic, but all too often, doctors succumb to the pleading of anxious parents who feel that an antibiotic will solve the problem quickly. The reality is, it makes better sense to monitor the problem for a week or so to see if it resolves on its own. As noted earlier, in most cases, it will. Save the antibiotic for the rare ear infection so severe that it doesn't clear up on its own.
As for removing the adenoids of children suffering from recurrent ear infections, recent has shown the benefit of this procedure with respect to reducing frequency of ear infections to be so small that many doctors now do not recommend this approach as a primary treatment in children up to 2 years of age.
A SAFER DRUG
In my opinion, a much safer medication choice than steroids for treating asthma is montlukast (Singulair). This new medication is safe for 2-to 5-year-olds, and the dosage is one milligram chewable tablet each evening. While I am not a big proponent of medication, especially in children, Singulair is highly effective and well tolerated, especially in exercise-induced asthma.
The best approach is for parents to help their child manage his or her asthma so that it doesn't become a major problem. Try to keep your child away from the environmental triggers that cause the attacks whenever possible. Reduce your child's exposure to stress. Key factors that increase stress in young children include inappropriate television prgograms, interaction with violent children and exposure to family conflict.
The best approach is for parents to help their child manage his or her asthma so that it doesn't become a major problem. Try to keep your child away from the environmental triggers that cause the attacks whenever possible. Reduce your child's exposure to stress. Key factors that increase stress in young children include inappropriate television prgograms, interaction with violent children and exposure to family conflict.
Rabu, 01 Juni 2011
CORTICOSTEROIDS ARE NOT GOOD FOR THE BRAIN
The most common treatment for childhood asthma is the use of corticosteroid drugs,synthetic version of the hormone cortisol,which is normally produced by the adrenal glands.Corticostreroids can be inhaled or taken in pill form and are powerfull drugs with potentially devastating side effects. In particular, I am concerned about the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on BDNF, the growth hormone in the brain that is critical for brain development. German researchers recently found that asthmatic patient who used inhaled corticosteroids had significantly lower levels of BDNF than asthmatic patients not treated with these drugs. The long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can cause other worrisome nasty side effects, specifially including damage to the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, not to mention a slew of other physical problems including blood sugar abnormalities and thining of bones.
The best way to offset the reduction of BDNF caused by the use of steroid medication is to make sure your child takes a DHA supplement each day. Due to the antiinflammatory effect of DHA, I think it's wise for all children with asthma to take extra DHA whether or not they are taking steroids.
- Children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years should take 200 milligrams of DHA daily.
- Children between the ages of 2 months to 5 should take 400 milligrams of DHA daily.
Sabtu, 28 Mei 2011
THE HYGIENE HYPOTHESIS
Although it seems counterintuitive, children who are exposed early in life to animal and natural allergens (such as plants) do not have a higher incidence of asthma-in fact,their risk is reduced.Some scientist believe that the exponential increase in allergy and asthma is due to our modern intolerance of dirt.We’re simply too clean! No kidding.They point out that prior to the twentieth century,most people lived on farms, where kids had close contact with farm animals and dirt, the kind you grow things in.Back then,the system of a child was taught early on how to tell a true enemy from a foe.Through experience,the immune system of a nineteenth-century child knew that pollen from a flower was nothing to fear,or the dander of a cat was harmless.It didn’t go into overdrive every time it was exposed to something new,triggering an allergic reaction.Deprived of these early lessons,the immune systems of children today are more prone to allergy,which can lead to asthma.Moreover, we load our children up with antibiotics,which over time may hamper normal immune function.
Smarter Child Tip Breast-feeding,which is beneficial to your child in so many other ways,also appears to offer strong protection against asthma.According to study publised by the National Institutes of Health evaluating children ages 3 to 5,a history of being breast-fed was associated with a 59 percent reduction in the risk of developing asthma.Interestingly,children who were breast-fed showed on a reduction in risk for asthma even if they were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.(This doesn’t mean that it’s okay to smoke around your children.We know that there is a greater risk of asthma and other health problems in kids who have been exposed to seconhhand smoke,but the risk is somewhat diminished if youe child is breast-fed).
Jumat, 20 Mei 2011
Asthma Triggers
What triggers an asthma attack? Common allergens are likely culprits, including pollen, dust mites, food allergies (especially to eggs), exposure to animal dander, and tobacco smoke, Environmental pollutants such as household chemicals may also trigger asthma, as well as certain medications, including aspirin. Phsysical activity is also a trigger, and excercise-induced asthma ( EIB for "excercise-incuded bronchospasm") is seen up to 90 percent of all asthma sufferers. Excercise-induced asthma is more likely to occur in cold, dry air. If you child is asthmatic, plan indoor exercise for days that are likely to trigger attacks. Warming up before exercise can help reduce the risk of having an asthma attack.
Finally, emotional stress may also be a trigger.
Children who suffer from a serious respiratory infection in the first two years of life are at much higher risk of developing asthma and the sam is true for children who suffer from frequent ear infection. There is also a genetic link : Children who have one or more parents with a history of asthma have double risk of developing asthma, compared to children with no immediate family member with disease.
In recent years, the rise in the incidence of asthma among children has prompted researchers to examine what has changed over the past decade or so to bring on such a dramatic increase. Some researchers speculate that in the indoor, sedentary lifestyle typical of modern Western society may increase the exposure to indoor asthma triggers. In one groundbreaking study, Swedish researchers working with theri American counterparts at Rutgers University found a strong association in children between both asthma and allergic symptoms and exposure to a group of chemical compounds commonly found in house dust called phthalates. The researches found a stunning relationship between the concentration of phthalates in dust collected in childrens homes and the childrens risk of asthma. Phthalates are widely used in industry and are virtually everywhere : They are used as additives to hair spray, plastic softeners, in wood finishes, perfumes, fragrance-containing soaps, nail polish and other beauty products, and most frightening, in a large number of soft plastic toys. Phthalates are endocrine distruptors, which means they adversely affect hormone production in the body, which in turn affects the development and function of all organ systems, including the nervous system. There are lots of good reasons to try to reduce your childs exposure to these chemicals, including their association with asthma.
There is also evidence that early exposure to fumes emitted from cleaning products and other chemicals (including paint, floor adhesive, and room fresheners) commonly found around the house may increase the risk of a child developing asthma. Needless to say, children should not be exposed to potentially dangerous fumes. Children who are asthmatic may find their asthma is irritated by any strong chemical odor, even those that dont necessarily affect other people. If you are using cleaning supplies around the house, keep your child away from the immediate area and make sure the entire house is well ventilated.
Finally, emotional stress may also be a trigger.
Children who suffer from a serious respiratory infection in the first two years of life are at much higher risk of developing asthma and the sam is true for children who suffer from frequent ear infection. There is also a genetic link : Children who have one or more parents with a history of asthma have double risk of developing asthma, compared to children with no immediate family member with disease.
In recent years, the rise in the incidence of asthma among children has prompted researchers to examine what has changed over the past decade or so to bring on such a dramatic increase. Some researchers speculate that in the indoor, sedentary lifestyle typical of modern Western society may increase the exposure to indoor asthma triggers. In one groundbreaking study, Swedish researchers working with theri American counterparts at Rutgers University found a strong association in children between both asthma and allergic symptoms and exposure to a group of chemical compounds commonly found in house dust called phthalates. The researches found a stunning relationship between the concentration of phthalates in dust collected in childrens homes and the childrens risk of asthma. Phthalates are widely used in industry and are virtually everywhere : They are used as additives to hair spray, plastic softeners, in wood finishes, perfumes, fragrance-containing soaps, nail polish and other beauty products, and most frightening, in a large number of soft plastic toys. Phthalates are endocrine distruptors, which means they adversely affect hormone production in the body, which in turn affects the development and function of all organ systems, including the nervous system. There are lots of good reasons to try to reduce your childs exposure to these chemicals, including their association with asthma.
There is also evidence that early exposure to fumes emitted from cleaning products and other chemicals (including paint, floor adhesive, and room fresheners) commonly found around the house may increase the risk of a child developing asthma. Needless to say, children should not be exposed to potentially dangerous fumes. Children who are asthmatic may find their asthma is irritated by any strong chemical odor, even those that dont necessarily affect other people. If you are using cleaning supplies around the house, keep your child away from the immediate area and make sure the entire house is well ventilated.
Rabu, 18 Mei 2011
Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common disease of childhood, affecting more than one in ten children. And its on the rise- the incidence of asthma has doubled since 1980. Asthma disproportionately affects young children, with fully half of all children who get asthma developing symptoms before the age of 5 years. Among older children, asthma is the number one cause of missed day at school and poor academic performance.
Asthma is characterized by an allergic reaction of the bronchial tubes, causing these small air passages to go into spasm and making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include attacks of wheezing, shortness of breathe, excessive mucus production, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. A child who is in the midst of an asthma attack typically experiences a rapid heartbeat and appears distressed and anxious.
When a child has an asthma attack, the amount of oxygen carried in the blood s reduced, thereby compromising oxygen supply. This kind of oxygen deprivation in the brain-even when its very brief-can harm your childs brain development. Because of breathing difficulties associated with asthma, the amount of oxygen in the blood is frequently reduced when the disease is active. The effect of even mild levels of oxygen depletion associated with asthma on development, behavior, and academic achievement has recently been described in an article appearing in Pediatrics. In this report, Havard researchers found a clear correlation between abnormalities of brain function at all levels and reduced blood flow to the brain. They noted, "Adverse impaacts of chronic or intermittent hypoxia on development, behavior, and academic achievement have been reported in many well-designed and- controlled studies in children."
They further noted that adverse effects were found even at mild levels of oxygen depletion. This study underscores how asthma can impair a childs ability to succeed.
Asthma is characterized by an allergic reaction of the bronchial tubes, causing these small air passages to go into spasm and making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include attacks of wheezing, shortness of breathe, excessive mucus production, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. A child who is in the midst of an asthma attack typically experiences a rapid heartbeat and appears distressed and anxious.
When a child has an asthma attack, the amount of oxygen carried in the blood s reduced, thereby compromising oxygen supply. This kind of oxygen deprivation in the brain-even when its very brief-can harm your childs brain development. Because of breathing difficulties associated with asthma, the amount of oxygen in the blood is frequently reduced when the disease is active. The effect of even mild levels of oxygen depletion associated with asthma on development, behavior, and academic achievement has recently been described in an article appearing in Pediatrics. In this report, Havard researchers found a clear correlation between abnormalities of brain function at all levels and reduced blood flow to the brain. They noted, "Adverse impaacts of chronic or intermittent hypoxia on development, behavior, and academic achievement have been reported in many well-designed and- controlled studies in children."
They further noted that adverse effects were found even at mild levels of oxygen depletion. This study underscores how asthma can impair a childs ability to succeed.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)