You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Uncategorized' category.
Questions & Answers: Swine Influenza Info from the Centers for Disease Control
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pollen Grains
From the AAAI Rhinitis Tips:
Do you have bouts of sneezing and itching, or a runny or stuffy nose that do not seem to go away? If so, you may have rhinitis.
Rhinitis is one of the most common illnesses in the United States , affecting more than 50 million people. It often coexists with other respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Rhinitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. In addition, it can contribute to other conditions such as sinus problems, ear problems, sleep problems, and learning problems. In patients with asthma, uncontrolled rhinitis seems to make asthma worse.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that we breathe called allergens. Allergens are usually harmless substances that can cause problems only in some people. These problems are caused because the immune system of people with allergic rhinitis mistakenly identifies these substances as intruders and generates a reaction against them. During this reaction, the immune system cells release substances such as histamine and leukotrienes that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; these and other substances also cause inflammation in the nasal lining that makes the nose very sensitive to irritants such as smoke and strong odors or to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.
Causes:
1. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens, such as airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold, it is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever.”
2. Allergic rhinitis is also triggered by common indoor allergens, such as animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, droppings from dust mites and cockroach particles. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms
Sneezing
Stuffy nose (congestion)
Runny nose
Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, an allergist/immunologist can help determine which specific allergens are triggering your illness. He or she will take a thorough health history, and then test use to determine if you have allergies. Skin tests or blood tests are the most common methods for determining your allergic rhinitis triggers.
What to Do During Pollen Season:
When outdoor pollens are high, remain indoors, particularly in the late morning. Pollen grains can cause significant allergic symptoms like asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly during the spring and the fall. It is difficult to avoid pollen because it is windborne and can cover wide distances. Short of moving to a different location, here are some tips for avoiding pollen during the season.
1. The pollen count is usually highest in the late morning and early afternoon particularly during sunny, windy days. The pollen count measures the concentration of a specific pollen like birch tree pollen, in the area in a specific area and time. A pollen count is a useful guide for when it is advisable to stay indoors and avoid contact with pollen.
2. Keep the windows and doors closed during the allergy season.
3. Install a room air conditioner with a special filter.The special filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter) traps airborne allergens. If the house does not have central air, the best spot to put the air conditioner and filter would be the bedroom. Change the filters frequently. An allergic person should also use the car air conditioner to decrease pollen exposure when commuting. Pollen allergic persons should not have a window fan blowing into their bedroom as this will maintain outdoor pollen exposure all night.
4. Avoid working outdoors, if you must wear a special face mask. The face mask is designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching the nasal passages.
5. Consider taking a vacation at the height of the pollen season. Preferably at a location where the pollen exposure is minimal, like the seashore.
from the FDA Albuterol info page:
Albuterol inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) will not be sold in the U.S. after December 31, 2008. Albuterol inhalers that contain hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) will take the place of albuterol CFC inhalers. Here are some questions and answers to help you understand the change.
Why are albuterol CFC inhalers being phased out?
The phase out of albuterol CFC inhalers is due to an international agreement called the “Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” at www.fda.gov/cder/mdi/albuterol.htm. CFCs are harmful to the environment because they decrease the protective ozone layer above the Earth.
When will albuterol CFC inhalers be gone?
Albuterol CFC inhalers will not be sold in the United States after December 31, 2008. The company
that makes albuterol CFC inhalers is expected to stop making albuterol CFC inhalers before then. People who are using albuterol CFC inhalers should talk with their health care professional now about switching to an albuterol HFA inhaler. There are enough albuterol HFA inhalers for everyone who needs them.
What hydrofluoroalkane inhalers (HFA) (non-CFC albuterol inhalers) are available?
There are three albuterol HFA inhalers that FDA has approved as safe and effective:
ProAir (albuterol sulfate) HFA Inhalation Aerosol•
Proventil HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol •
Ventolin (albuterol sulfate) HFA Inhalation Aerosol•
Also available is Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol that contains the active form
of albuterol and does the same thing as albuterol.
Patients in the United States have been using HFA inhalers safely and effectively since 1998.
How are albuterol HFA inhalers the same as albuterol CFC inhalers?
Albuterol HFA inhalers are used in the same way as albuterol CFC inhalers and give the same dose of albuterol as the CFC inhalers. Albuterol HFA inhalers are safe and effective for the same FDA approved uses: treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How are albuterol HFA inhalers different from albuterol CFC inhalers?
CFCs are used as propellants (spray) to move the albuterol medicine out of the inhaler so patients
can breathe the medicine into their lungs. HFAs are a different type of propellant (spray). The albuterol and levalbuterol HFA inhalers have a different propellant called hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). Albuterol
HFA and albuterol CFC inhalers may taste and feel different. The force of the spray may feel softer
from albuterol HFA than from albuterol CFC inhalers. Each of the HFA inhalers is different (see table).
Albuterol HFA inhalers have to be cleaned and primed to work in the right way and give the right dose
of medicine. Each HFA inhaler has different instructions for cleaning and priming. The patient
information that comes with each inhaler tells you how to clean and prime your inhaler.
Albuterol and Levalbuterol HFA Inhalers
ProAir HFA
Proventil HFA
Ventolin HFA
Xopenex HFA
Active ingredient
Albuterol sulfate
Albuterol sulfate
Albuterol sulfate
Levalbuterol tartrate
Inactive ingredients
HFA propellant
alcohol
HFA propellant
alcohol
oleic acid
HFA propellant
HFA propellant
alcohol
oleic acid
Dose Counter
No
No
Yes
No
Priming required
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cleaning required
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Why is cleaning and priming my albuterol HFA inhaler important?
Cleaning the inhaler to prevent clogging and properly priming the albuterol HFA inhaler are very important to make sure that the medicine sprays from the inhaler so you can breathe it into your lungs. Each albuterol HFA inhaler comes with directions for washing, drying the mouthpiece (part that goes in your mouth) and priming. There are some differences between brands of inhalers, so you will need to follow the directions that come with each inhaler.
What should I do if I have problems with my albuterol HFA inhaler?
First, remember that the force of the spray from the albuterol HFA may feel different. Make sure you wash, dry, and prime the inhaler as described in the directions that come in each package. If you have problems using your albuterol HFA inhaler, talk to your health care professional as a different product may be right for you.
If the spray feels different, how will I know if my HFA inhaler is working in the right way?
It is important to remember that it is the deep breath that you take with each puff that gets the medication into your lungs, not the force of the spray. The spray from an albuterol HFA inhaler may feel softer than the spray from an albuterol CFC inhaler but this will not affect the amount of drug that
you breathe into your lungs. The spray from an albuterol CFC inhaler often hits the back of the mouth. The spray from an HFA inhaler is a fine mist that may actually be easier to breathe into your lungs
compared to a CFC inhaler.
The HFA inhalers cost more than the CFC inhalers. What can I do if it’s hard for me to pay for my HFA inhaler?
Talk to your health care professional about programs to help patients get medicines they need. •
Some drug companies have patient assistance programs that make medicines available to
• patients at no cost, or at a lower cost.
Some patients may be able to get help paying for medicines from the Centers for Medicare & • Medicaid Services.
Is it safe to buy HFA inhalers over the internet?
Buying your medicine online can be easy, just make sure you do it safely. The Internet makes it possible to compare prices and buy products without leaving home. But when it comes to buying medicine online, it is important to be very careful. Some websites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk. For more information please see our guide: “Buying Prescription Medicines Online: A Consumer Safety Guide” at www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration – www.fda.gov
Questions? Email: druginfo@fda.hhs.gov,
or call 1-888-INFOFDA
from WebMD
Salynn Boyles
September 19, 2008 — Federal officials have abandoned a proposed study of a controversial alternative therapy for autism, leaving parents who believe in the treatment disappointed and angry about the move.
In a statement released Wednesday, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says its investigators would not go forward with a trial of chelation (pronounced kee-LAY-shun) therapy that has been discussed for the past two years.
The decision was made after the federal review board that originally approved the study reversed its position.
The study had reportedly been on hold since last year when animal trials linked a specific chelation treatment to brain damage in rats.
“The Board determined that there was no clear evidence for direct benefit to children who would participate in the chelation trial and that the study presents more than a minimal risk,” according to the NIMH statement.
Chelation for Autism
Chelation therapy involves the administration of agents to remove heavy metals from the blood, usually, but not always, by intravenous infusion.
The therapy has been approved for more than 50 years for the treatment of lead poisoning, but it is not approved for the treatment of autism.
Nevertheless, many parents who believe their children’s autism was caused by mercury exposure from a preservative once common in childhood vaccines have embraced chelation therapy.
“Our phones have been ringing off the hook since this was announced,” Rebecca Estepp of the autism support group Talk About Curing Autism tells WebMD.
“We are dumbfounded and saddened that this study of a promising autism treatment will not happen. The government has pulled the rug out from under us with no explanation.”
Estepp, whose 10-year-old son is autistic, says she knows of thousands of children who have improved and even had their autism symptoms disappear following chelation therapy.
“Do we have to have thousands more before they take us seriously?” she asks. “When does the anecdotal evidence get so large that they have to listen to us?”
A Chelation Death Reported
The use of chelation therapy as a treatment for autism has been linked to at least one death in 2005 of a 5-year-old boy who was treated with an agent that is not widely used in children.
In the statement released yesterday, NIMH officials noted that approval by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was needed to proceed with the trial. But NIMH will not ask the DHHS to review the study protocol, a process that could take as long a year.
“Given the time and resources required for this additional approval process, NIMH has decided to use its intramural program to test other interventions for autism and will not pursue the required DHHS review,” the statement reads.
Physician Paul Offit, MD, who this month published a book that is critical of alternative treatments, applauds the NIMH decision.
“None of the biological and epidemiological data support the notion that mercury from the thimerosal in vaccines causes autism,” he tells WebMD. “So you could argue that this study was unethical because there was no biological basis for doing it.”
In his book Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure, Offit examines many past and present alternative treatments for autism.
He tells WebMD that none of the treatments has held up to scientific scrutiny, but many remain popular because parents have few other places to turn.
“Classical Western medicine does not offer much for the treatment of autism,” he says. “These fringe therapies have appeal because there is not much else out there.”
Offit adds that very young children with mild symptoms of autism often get better on their own later in childhood, which may explain why many parents believe so strongly that alternative treatment work.
“There is a natural wax and wane with this disorder,” he says. “Symptoms that seem very bad between the ages of 2 and 5 may get much better between the ages of 6 and 10.”
He adds that promising, conventional research on autism gets little attention because of the focus on alternative therapies.
He cites as an example the identification of the specific genes and genetic mutations associated with autism.
“This may well lead to treatments in the future, but you never hear about this kind of study because the anti-vaccine people have taken this story hostage to the detriment of children with autism,” he says.
SOURCES:
NIMH Statement on Chelation Trial for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sept. 17, 2008.
Paul Offit, MD, chief of infectious diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Rebecca Estepp, parent support & media relations manager, Talk About Curing Autism.
WebMD Health News: ” Boy Dies After Controversial Treatment for Autism.”
Pollen Grains
From the AAAI Rhinitis Tips:
Do you have bouts of sneezing and itching, or a runny or stuffy nose that do not seem to go away? If so, you may have rhinitis.
Rhinitis is one of the most common illnesses in the United States , affecting more than 50 million people. It often coexists with other respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Rhinitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. In addition, it can contribute to other conditions such as sinus problems, ear problems, sleep problems, and learning problems. In patients with asthma, uncontrolled rhinitis seems to make asthma worse.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that we breathe called allergens. Allergens are usually harmless substances that can cause problems only in some people. These problems are caused because the immune system of people with allergic rhinitis mistakenly identifies these substances as intruders and generates a reaction against them. During this reaction, the immune system cells release substances such as histamine and leukotrienes that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; these and other substances also cause inflammation in the nasal lining that makes the nose very sensitive to irritants such as smoke and strong odors or to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.
Causes:
1. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens, such as airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold, it is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever.”
2. Allergic rhinitis is also triggered by common indoor allergens, such as animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, droppings from dust mites and cockroach particles. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms
Sneezing
Stuffy nose (congestion)
Runny nose
Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, an allergist/immunologist can help determine which specific allergens are triggering your illness. He or she will take a thorough health history, and then test use to determine if you have allergies. Skin tests or blood tests are the most common methods for determining your allergic rhinitis triggers.
What to Do During Pollen Season:
When outdoor pollens are high, remain indoors, particularly in the late morning. Pollen grains can cause significant allergic symptoms like asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly during the spring and the fall. It is difficult to avoid pollen because it is windborne and can cover wide distances. Short of moving to a different location, here are some tips for avoiding pollen during the season.
1. The pollen count is usually highest in the late morning and early afternoon particularly during sunny, windy days. The pollen count measures the concentration of a specific pollen like birch tree pollen, in the area in a specific area and time. A pollen count is a useful guide for when it is advisable to stay indoors and avoid contact with pollen.
2. Keep the windows and doors closed during the allergy season.
3. Install a room air conditioner with a special filter.The special filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter) traps airborne allergens. If the house does not have central air, the best spot to put the air conditioner and filter would be the bedroom. Change the filters frequently. An allergic person should also use the car air conditioner to decrease pollen exposure when commuting. Pollen allergic persons should not have a window fan blowing into their bedroom as this will maintain outdoor pollen exposure all night.
4. Avoid working outdoors, if you must wear a special face mask. The face mask is designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching the nasal passages.
5. Consider taking a vacation at the height of the pollen season. Preferably at a location where the pollen exposure is minimal, like the seashore.
Thanks to Health Central.com for recognizing this site as one of
“the individuals and organizations who share our vision in providing comprehensive, interactive and personal healthcare advice. HealthCentral.com would like to congratulate our 2007 winners and sincerely thank them for producing influential sites in the allergy and asthma community”
Pollen Grains
From the AAAI Rhinitis Tips:
Do you have bouts of sneezing and itching, or a runny or stuffy nose that do not seem to go away? If so, you may have rhinitis.
Rhinitis is one of the most common illnesses in the United States , affecting more than 50 million people. It often coexists with other respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Rhinitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. In addition, it can contribute to other conditions such as sinus problems, ear problems, sleep problems, and learning problems. In patients with asthma, uncontrolled rhinitis seems to make asthma worse.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that we breathe called allergens. Allergens are usually harmless substances that can cause problems only in some people. These problems are caused because the immune system of people with allergic rhinitis mistakenly identifies these substances as intruders and generates a reaction against them. During this reaction, the immune system cells release substances such as histamine and leukotrienes that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; these and other substances also cause inflammation in the nasal lining that makes the nose very sensitive to irritants such as smoke and strong odors or to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.
Causes:
1. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens, such as airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold, it is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever.”
2. Allergic rhinitis is also triggered by common indoor allergens, such as animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, droppings from dust mites and cockroach particles. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms
Sneezing
Stuffy nose (congestion)
Runny nose
Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, an allergist/immunologist can help determine which specific allergens are triggering your illness. He or she will take a thorough health history, and then test use to determine if you have allergies. Skin tests or blood tests are the most common methods for determining your allergic rhinitis triggers.
What to Do During Pollen Season:
When outdoor pollens are high, remain indoors, particularly in the late morning. Pollen grains can cause significant allergic symptoms like asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly during the spring and the fall. It is difficult to avoid pollen because it is windborne and can cover wide distances. Short of moving to a different location, here are some tips for avoiding pollen during the season.
1. The pollen count is usually highest in the late morning and early afternoon particularly during sunny, windy days. The pollen count measures the concentration of a specific pollen like birch tree pollen, in the area in a specific area and time. A pollen count is a useful guide for when it is advisable to stay indoors and avoid contact with pollen.
2. Keep the windows and doors closed during the allergy season.
3. Install a room air conditioner with a special filter.The special filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter) traps airborne allergens. If the house does not have central air, the best spot to put the air conditioner and filter would be the bedroom. Change the filters frequently. An allergic person should also use the car air conditioner to decrease pollen exposure when commuting. Pollen allergic persons should not have a window fan blowing into their bedroom as this will maintain outdoor pollen exposure all night.
4. Avoid working outdoors, if you must wear a special face mask. The face mask is designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching the nasal passages.
5. Consider taking a vacation at the height of the pollen season. Preferably at a location where the pollen exposure is minimal, like the seashore.
I thought I’d get a jump on National Poison Prevention Week which is from March 18 to 24 this year. I had dinner recently with a neurotoxicologist friend who told me the sad story of a child who died from drinking silver cleaner which had been left out when his mom was interrupted while doing chores.
We are so paranoid about child seats and bike helmets, but sometimes we forget the dangers that are in our own closets.
Here are some important prevention tips from the National Capital Poison Center
Facts On Poison Exposures:
• On average, poison centers handle one poison exposure every 14 seconds.
• Over two million poison exposures were reported to local poison centers in
2000.
• Most poisonings involve everyday household items such as cleaning supplies,
medicines, cosmetics and personal care items.
• 89 percent of all poison exposures occur in the home.
• 92 percent of exposures involve only one poisonous substance.
• 86.7 percent of poison exposures are unintentional.
• 75 percent of poison exposures involve ingestion of a poisonous substance.
Other causes include breathing in poison gas, getting foreign substances in
the eyes or on the skin, and bites and stings.
• 77 percent of all exposures are treated on the site where they occurred,
generally the patient’s home with phone advice and assistance from local
poison control experts.
Children and Poison:
• 53 percent of poison exposures occur in children under the age of six.
• The most common forms of poison exposure for children under the age of six
are cosmetics and personal care products (13.3%), cleaning substances
(10.7%), analgesics (7.6%) and plants (6.9%).
The Most Dangerous Poisons for Children
The most dangerous poisons for children include the following. Be sure to check the poison prevention tips to protect your loved ones.
Medicines: these are OK in the right amount for the right person. They can be dangerous for children who take the wrong medicine or swallow too much.
Iron pills: adult-strength iron pills are very dangerous for children to swallow. Children can start throwing up blood or having bloody diarrhea in less than an hour.
Cleaning products that cause chemical burns: these can be just as bad as burns from fire. Products that cause chemical burns include include drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners.
Nail glue remover and nail primer: some products used for artificial nails can be poisonous in surprising ways. Some nail glue removers have caused cyanide poisoning when swallowed by children. Some nail primers have caused burns to the skin and mouth of children who tried to drink them.
Hydrocarbons: this is a broad category that includes gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, motor oil, lighter fluid, furniture polish, and paint thinner. These liquids are easy to choke on if someone tries to swallow them. If that happens, they can go down the wrong way, into the lungs instead of the stomach. If they get into someone’s lungs, they make it hard to breathe. They can also cause lung inflammation (like pneumonia). Hydrocarbons are among the leading causes of poisoning death in children.
Pesticides: chemicals to kill bugs and other pests must be used carefully to keep from harming humans. Many pesticides can be absorbed through skin. Many can also enter the body by breathing in the fumes. Some can affect the nervous system and can make it hard to breathe.
Windshield washer solution and antifreeze: Small amounts of these liquids are poisonous to humans and pets. Windshield washer solution can cause blindness and death if swallowed. Antifreeze can cause kidney failure and death if swallowed.
Wild mushrooms: many types of mushrooms grow in many areas of the country. Some are deadly to eat. Only experts in mushroom identification can tell the difference between poisonous mushrooms and safe mushrooms.
Alcohol: when children swallow alcohol, they can have seizures, go into a coma, or even die. This is true no matter where the alcohol comes from. Mouthwash, facial cleaners, and hair tonics can have as much alcohol in them as alcoholic beverages.
Household Poisons
The Yukkiest Poisons
These are especially hazardous household items. Buy small quantities. Discard unneeded extras. Make sure they are always out of a child’s reach.
-
antifreeze
windshield washer solutions
drain cleaners
toilet bowl cleaners
insecticides
artificial nail removers
topical anesthetics (i.e. Products that may be used for sunburn pain)
medicines, medicines, medicines.
Did you know that even these common household items can poison little children?
detergents
automatic dishwasher detergents
furniture polish
perfume & aftershave
mouthwash
gasoline, kerosene, and lamp oil
paint and paint thinner
mothballs
alcoholic beverages
miniature batteries
flaking paint
cigarettes, tobacco products
rat and mouse poison
Pet Poison Prevention Tips:
Your pets can be poisoned too. Follow the same poison prevention tips given for children to protect you animals. The following are some additional poison prevention tips specifically for your pet:
-Never give your pet any medications unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Many human medications can have dire consequences to animals, even in small amounts.
-Never give your dog chocolate. Dogs are particularly sensitive to chocolate, and it is considered extremely poisonous for dogs.
-Be aware of you houseplants. Many common household plants can cause kidney damage to your pets if ingested.
Keep all medications out of an animals reach, even they can get into a closed medicine bottle.
-Keep hydrogen peroxide available in case you need to make your animal vomit due to a poisoning. Do not give the peroxide unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian or a Poison Center.
-When treating you animal for ticks and fleas, read all product labels before you begin. Follow the safety recommendations given for you and for the animal.
-Hose-down areas in your driveway or garage in which chemicals have been drained or leaked. A small amount of many chemicals can be fatal to an animal.
-Be aware of neighborhood poisons that may be lurking for your pet.
slug or snail baits put out in gardens
yards and gardens recently treated with insecticides
mushrooms and outdoor plants
rat and mouse poisons
snakes and frogs (frogs may be very poisonous if eaten by a pet)
Finally, Act Fast
What to do if a poisoning occurs:
1. Remain calm
2. Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222. Try to have this information ready:
-the victim’s age and weight
-the container or bottle of the poison if available
the time of the poison exposure
-the address where the poisoning occurred
3.Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.
P.S.DON’T FORGET TO VISIT BLOG MD FOR PEDIATRIC GRAND ROUNDS 1:24
Who can refuse a puppy?
Okay, okay, I’m playing the “cute” card, but cuteness will not be a factor in choosing the posts.
You can comment on this page telling me how to get in touch with you or send a link to deasis80@yahoo.com. Deadline is Feb. 23, 2007 (ET) 12 midnight ET
and check out PGR 1:22 at Adventures of an Awesome Mom
Inhaled Steroid Monotherapy Seen Best for Mild-Moderate Pediatric Asthma
The following abstract reiterates what is already known and considered the standard of care, which is the use of inhaled corticosteroids for mild- moderate asthma. I was not surprised by the superiority of the inhaled steroid alone and inhaled steroid/ salmeterol arms over the montelukast arm, but what I found interesting is the finding that double dose inhaled steroid was superior to inhaled steroid/ salmeterol combo in terms of FEV1/FVC and other markers such as exhaled nitric oxide and maximum bronchodilator response. But what does this mean clinically? If these children are followed longitudinally, which I’m sure they will be, it would give us important information on the long-term relevance of these markers and give us further guidance on the use of higher dose ICS vs. ICS plus long acting beta-agonists.
Sorkness CA, Lemanske RF Jr, Mauger DT, Boehmer SJ, Chinchilli VM, Martinez FD, Strunk RC, Szefler SJ, Zeiger RS, Bacharier LB, Bloomberg GR, Covar RA, Guilbert TW, Heldt G, Larsen G, Mellon MH, Morgan WJ, Moss MH, Spahn JD, Taussig LM; for the Childhood Asthma Research and Education Network of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Clinical Science Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
BACKGROUND: More evidence is needed on which to base recommendations for treatment of mild-moderate persistent asthma in school-aged children.
OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Asthma Controller Trial (PACT) compared the effectiveness of 3 regimens in achieving asthma control.
METHODS: A total of 285 children (ages 6-14 years) with mild-moderate persistent asthma on the basis of symptoms, and with FEV(1) >/= 80% predicted and methacholine FEV(1) PC(20) RESULTS: Fluticasone monotherapy and PACT combination were comparable in many patient-measured outcomes, including percent of asthma control days, but fluticasone monotherapy was superior for clinic-measured FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (P = .015), maximum bronchodilator response (P = .009), exhaled nitric oxide
CONCLUSION:Both fluticasone monotherapy and PACT combination achieved greater improvements in asthma control days than montelukast. However, fluticasone monotherapy was superior to PACT combination in achieving other dimensions of asthma control. Growth was similar in all groups.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Therefore, of the regimens tested, the PACT study findings favor fluticasone monotherapy in treating children with mild-moderate persistent asthma with FEV(1) >/= 80% predicted, confirming current guideline recommendations.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;119(1):64-72. Epub 2006 Nov 30
