Asthma is one of the respiratory disorders of the lungs and has a periodic aggravation. Very quick acting medicines are needed to control these episodes and provide relief to the patient. These are called rescue medication. This group contains quick, short acting bronchodilators called short-term beta agonists. Another group of medicines used for asthma treatments give relief within minutes. These are is normally used to treat acute emphysema but has been found to be useful to control severe symptoms of asthma like tightness in chest, wheezing, cough etc.
Oral and intravenous medications are used for short spells and they have side effects on long, continuous use. The use of emergency medication becomes very rare when long term medicines work well. It is important to keep a record of the number puffs and times one uses these drugs and inform the doctor. In allergic asthma, one can get relief from the use of desensitizing medicines. One needs to take a shot every two to four weeks. As the sensitivity of the immune system reduces, these shots are lessened. Another specialized treatment is bronchial thermoplasty. This is no more widely available and is not useful to all. In the course of three or four sessions in the outpatient setting, the insides of the air passage are heated up using an electrode. This reduces the smooth muscle inside the bronchi. This limits the ability of the bronchi to contract keeping them open. This reduces the asthma symptoms.
Great improvements have taken place in the field of inhaler technology. On pressing the piston of the inhaler, gas is released which carries a fixed amount of medicine to the patient through the mouthpiece. The efficiency of the device depends on the coordinated inspiration by the patient which many found difficult. The current model has a spindle shaped storage in between the cylinder and the mouth piece. The mouthpiece/mask has a valve which opens and closes in sync with breathing. Once a measured quantity of medicine is released into the reservoir, the patient breaths as usual till all the medicine is taken in. When a large amount of medicine is to be inhaled, a nebulizer is used where a liquid bronchodilator is converted into a mist and the patient breaths the mist till the dose is breathed in completely. This is ideal for patients with feeble breathing and in cases where large amount of medicine is required. Inhalers with spacerare fast catching up.
-
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Read moreOur neck is one of the most fragile areas in the body. There is almost no protection or support to the neck from the other parts of the body. There can be various causes of neck pain. Even though the body has a tendency of resolving the issues on its own, it is important to know the reasons behind neck pain and consult a doctor to initiate the best procedure to treat the same. Since the neck supports the most important parts of the body, namely the spinal cord and the brain, ignoring symptoms of a neck pain for a prolonged time is not an option.
Three of the common causes of neck pain are discussed below:
- Muscle Strain
Our body is made up of muscles, bones, and ligaments. When you stretch the body for exercising, dancing, or even reaching out for something heavy, you may experience muscle strain on the neck. The best way to resolve this cause of neck pain is to ensure that you massage the area with a non-prescription ointment available in the market for pain relief. You can also apply a hot water bag to the affected area so that the muscle is relaxed and comes back to its original position.
- Incorrect Posture
If you sleep or relax your head in an incorrect posture with your leg toward your left, it may result in pain in the left side of the neck. You can avoid these issues by opting for a memory foam pillow or give proper support to the neck while sleeping. Exercising the neck area can also help you in this regard. If you have long hours of working, opt for ergonomic chairs that give proper support to the back and the neck area so that you do not have to lean for support. You must stretch the neck and move it from side to side to keep the lubricants flowing if you have long hours of a desk job.
- Whiplash
It is a condition wherein the neck is frozen because of jerk or trauma to the area. It can be a result of an injury or an accident. In common man’s language, it is also known as a neck sprain. This requires the immediate attention of a doctor. In such circumstances, you may be asked to keep your head in a particular position and may be given a support to keep it straight, until the muscles can naturally relax to come to the original position.
- Muscle Strain
-
Here’s why ride-on toys are a great gift idea
Read moreChildren love toys and most would never say no to a ride-on! These cute and fun creations can provide hours of entertainment and are perfect for home and school alike. Here’s how these timeless playthings can help kids grow and why you should consider getting one.
Provides physical exercise
Many children today spend a lot of time indoors. Technology has permeated our lives to the extent that kids are caught up in it. While a couple of hours of TV is fine, getting kids to play outdoors and stay physically active is much more important. Ride-on toys are the perfect answer, as they are best played outside. Kids can play with them in the garden, at a park or a picnic spot. Whichever outdoor setting you choose, you can be sure kids will agree with it.Fosters cooperation
Kids ride-on toys usually need to be pushed. While the onus typically lies with adults, having kids take turns riding and pushing is a better solution. They learn to cooperate with each other and begin to understand the meaning of sharing. If each has a ride-on toy, they may be encouraged to lend the other theirs as well.Enhances creativity
Ride-on toys unlock kids’ creativity and let them engage in pretend play. They use their imaginations to think up different scenarios and enact various actions. Aside from giving flight to their creativity, ride-on toys also teach them important social skills and can enhance emotional development. Regular ride-on sessions both at home or at school can help in a child’s all-round growth.Improves coordination
Ride-on toys require kids to use their arms, hands, and legs and aid in improving gross motor coordination. As any adult knows, these skills are essential for performing everyday functions and the sooner children hone them, the better they’ll be able to do things on their own.Improves balance
Having a strong sense of balance is important so that kids can participate in activities like surfing, skiing, and skating later in life. Ride-on toys can kick-start the process. Kids will also be more eager to engage in other advanced activities that require balance if they’re confident from the get-go.Enhances spatial awareness
Playing with ride-on toys requires children to calculate and understand the concept of space and the position/location of objects. They learn how to swerve around an obstacle, learn when to stop, and when to slow down. Honing this cognitive skill is important so that they can know how and when to move and act accordingly.In short, ride-on toys are a big hit amongst kids and pack more of a punch than many think. If you’re looking for a way to get kids outdoors or need something that will keep them engaged for periods at a stretch, consider ride-on toys. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs to suit various ages. They are versatile and can be used at home, school, playgrounds, and day care centers.