Pediatrics
Our Pediatric Services
Asthma
Asthma Q&A
Can an Asthma Attack be Triggered by Allergies?
An asthma attack can be triggered by the body’s allergic response to an allergen. When the body is exposed to an allergen, a series of responses occur, beginning with the release of histamine. Histamine causes the nasal passages to swell, the nose and eyes to run, sneezing, and coughing. If the attack occurs rather suddenly, the allergic response can have a dramatic effect on the lungs. When the lungs are affected, the normal result is a mild to a moderate asthma attack that generally correlates to the other symptoms. When the sneezing and runny nose begin to subside, the wheezing and difficulty breathing associated with asthma will also begin to diminish.
What is the Most Effective Way to Treat Asthma?
The most effective way to treat an asthma attack is through the use of bronchodilators and steroid medications that work to open the small pathways in the lungs. Understanding how to breathe and being able to control the panic that sometimes sets in when an asthma attack strikes are also important. Keeping breaths at a slow, steady pace and remaining calm will prevent the chest from tightening up, making it increasingly more difficult to breathe. It is also important to use medications that work to decrease the frequency of an asthma attack. These medications help to control the substances like histamine that cause an attack once they have been released by the body. They also work to strengthen the tissues of the lungs.
Can Asthma Attacks be Prevented?
With chronic asthma attacks, episodes may not be able to be prevented, but they can be controlled and their frequency and duration diminished. Corticosteroids and other medications that work to control the release of the substances that trigger an asthma attack may help to reduce the frequency of chronic attacks. By controlling the frequency, the duration is also kept to a minimum. Individuals who do not have regular or chronic attacks may still be able to control the episodes they do have by acting quickly when they feel the changes begin to occur. Constantly having a rescue or emergency inhaler on hand is important if a person wants to be able to properly manage their asthma.
Fever
Does your child or newborn have a fever? Has your fever lasted longer than usual? Dr. Lanre Ijaola is a Board Certified physician who specializes in various types of medicine and the treatment of many different health conditions and can help to treat the cause of fevers, as well as the fever symptom itself.
Fever Q&A
How Long Should a Fever Persist Before Seeing a Doctor?
Most doctors recommend seeking medical attention if a low-grade fever is present for more than two days. If a person’s fever spikes or goes above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be seen immediately. A low-grade fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or virus. When a fever spikes it indicates something is going on that the body is having trouble bringing under control. This could mean a bad virus or something else that could lead to serious health issues. While a fever’s main purpose is to create an environment where viruses cannot thrive, carrying a fever for longer than two to three days may cause other health issues, such as dehydration or a decreased metabolism.
What is the Purpose of a Fever?
The purpose of a fever is to create an environment in which viruses and bacteria cannot thrive. It is one of the immune system’s many mechanisms that work to protect the body from intruders that can cause illness or disease. When the body sustains a low-grade fever, it does so to allow sufficient time to destroy any organisms that do not belong in the body. For most people, the average body temperature is 98.6 degrees F. When their temperature reaches 100.0 degrees F. it is a sign that the body is fighting some type of infection. When a person’s fever spikes to well over 100.0 degrees F., it is an indication that the body’s immune system is working overtime and may be in need of assistance.
What is the Most Effective Way of Reducing a Fever?
When a person experiences a low-grade fever, many doctors are encouraging them to let the fever run its course. While it can be brought down with over the counter pain relievers, letting the fever do its job could result in an illness that has a much shorter duration. Sitting in a tub of tepid water will also help to bring down a fever. This works especially well with children who may not be able to take certain medications. If a person’s fever spikes higher than 100.0 degrees F., a visit to the emergency room is in order. At the hospital, the doctor and staff will be able to take measures to reduce a person’s fever while keeping them as comfortable as possible.
Immunizations
Our Vaccine Philosophy
Our practice believes that all children should receive the recommended vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the AAP and the CDC. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing diseases and health complications in children and young adults. Regular vaccinations help children ward off infections, and are administered as one of the safest and best methods of disease prevention. Mercy Grace Private Practice follows the immunization guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For information about these vaccines and the diseases they protect against, please click here.
For detailed informational sheets published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) please click here.
Please speak to your provider if you have any questions regarding immunizations. We are happy to discuss your concerns about vaccines at your child’s next visit.
Preventative Health
Preventive Medicine Q&A
What is Preventive Medicine?
Preventive medicine encompasses many different facets of healthcare that help an individual remain healthy and prevent possible health problems. This can include medical screenings, diagnostic testing, and the establishment of positive lifestyle habits. Through the use of annual physical exams, yearly screenings for potentially dangerous diseases, and advice on how to live a healthier, more invigorating lifestyle, doctors can help their patients prevent common health problems that reduce their quality of life or prevent them from doing the things they enjoy. With preventive health measures, patients are able to prevent many of the conditions that may have been a problem for their parents or other family members.
What Types of Examinations and Tests are Included in Preventive Health Plans?
Preventive health plans often include many different tests and screenings that are used to determine if a person is predisposed to specific health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, or high blood pressure. Men, women, and children alike can benefit from annual physical exams. These types of examinations are vital when it comes to preventing serious illnesses, especially in individuals who have a family history of illness or disease.
What Types of Conditions can be Prevented or Slowed Using These Measures?
When signs of certain diseases begin to appear, the doctor can recommend possible lifestyle changes and treatment plans that will help to control the progression of the disease. If a condition is in its earliest stages, a reversal may even be possible. In a case where a person has an extensive family history of chronic disease, preventive health measures may save their life.
School & Sports Physicals
School Physicals Q&A
Why are School Physicals Mandatory for Sports?
School physicals for sports are mandatory for several reasons. An athletic physical can indicate areas in which a student athlete’s health may need to improve or ways in which exercise can be tailored to best fit the student’s physical health. It can also indicate potential health problems like epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition that may make it difficult for a student to compete, and ways in which a student can still participate in athletics with preventive measures in place for the student’s health and safety. During the physical, the doctor will check the athletes’ heart, upper respiratory system, muscle tone, and reflexes to determine they are healthy enough for the level of activity they are signing up for. Doctors can recommend dietary changes, exercises, and health tips that may help the student be better prepared for the sport they have chosen.
Should Every Child Receive a Physical Before Returning to School?
Doctors often recommend every child receive a school physical before returning to class each year. An annual school physical will make sure the child has everything they need to remain healthy throughout the school year. Any vaccinations that were missed will be given and if an illness is present, it can be effectively treated prior to the child going to school. During a school physical exam, doctors will check for a variety of health conditions. By receiving an examination, a child can go to school with a clean bill of health and not worry about whether or not they are passing a contagious illness such as a cold or flu virus from one person to another. This can reduce the student’s exposure to lice as well. School physicals help to make school a healthy environment for all.
What Information Does a Sports Physical Provide?
A sports physical can provide the doctor with an abundance of vital information, such as the condition of the heart and lungs, possible complications with blood sugar, or abnormalities that are often found in the skeleton, like scoliosis. When performing a sports physical, it is the doctor’s goal to prove that the child is healthy enough to participate in vigorous athletic activities. Their heart should be healthy enough to withstand strenuous activity, while the lungs should be able to supply the body with sufficient amounts of oxygen to maintain that level of activity. During a physical examination, the doctor may take note of certain weaknesses and strengths so they may be discussed with the student and proper advice given to help them maintain good health.
Sinus & Respiratory Issues
Frequent episodes of shortness of breath or sudden, intense breathing difficulty may signify a serious health issue that needs medical attention. You should discuss any breathing concerns with your doctor.
Speak with your pediatric provider if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Skin Infections
rSkin Infections may be caused by bacteria, fungus, viruses or parasites and may present a variety of symptoms. Mild infections and symptoms may be treatable at home, but others may require medical attention.
Speak with your pediactric provider if you think your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.