There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases over the last few decades which are now major public health problems and an enormous burden on health care resources.
Common manifestations of allergy include asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. Subjects with allergic diseases are usually atopic, and develop sensitization to common allergens. Having said that atopy is only one part of the oh so very complex allergy spectrum.
The disease course of asthma is influenced heavily by the home environment and the exposure to multiple potentially harmful compounds may begin prenatally and continue through childhood. Observational studies have suggested that an intense exposure to a particular allergen, during pregnancy could increase the risk of offspring being sensitized to that allergen and having allergic asthma. It is now known that allergens can pass through the placenta and sensitize the fetus.
Solutions for these exposures are available and should be actively sought out by all. Knowledge gaps exist, in particular concerning the development of the complex nervous system of a child in the milieu of multiple exposures.
Examples of harmful home exposures include lead, which can be a particularly harmful neurotoxin along with other neurotoxicants, such as pesticides, which work by poisoning household pests and affect similar metabolic pathways in children. The quality of air and the presence of mold, ETS, and pet dander in the home contribute to or detract from the health of a child.
Homes contain a myriad of products, chemicals, and objects that offer exposure hazards to children. The five categories of substances most frequently involved in pediatric exposures are cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, analgesics, foreign bodies, and topical agents. So as a parent you should make a conscious effort in knowing what it is exactly you are bringing in to your home and making sure your child is safe. A note should be made here about a common indoor work activity for youth across many industries which is cleaning and use of cleaning products. Acute exposures to disinfectants and sanitizers usually involve inflammation, edema, and burns not to mention the development of respiratory problems and increasing chances of developing cancers.
Target your focus on primary prevention. So instead of filling your home with anti this and anti that medications(secondary preventions by treating the symptoms) simply avoid exposing yourself and loved ones to agents that are suspected or known to be harmful. Remember brand loyalty kills and you do not need to be rich in order to be smart and stay healthy.
(Ref-Primary prevention of asthma and allergy,Syed Hasan Arshad)
Dr Iman Ashour is a 30 year old stay at home wife. As a medical professional and a member of the Fourpoint group, her goal is the education of family members on applying healthier life styles. As a wellness/business specialist she helps people build a solid , ethical and viable home business.
email: dr_halifaxhealth@yahoo.com
phone: 1-888-210-8176
Learn to live well
Related post
Fatal error: Call to undefined function related_posts() in /home/aglocot1/public_html/thebestresults.info/wp-includes/post-template.php on line 63