Common Conditions II

Transcription

1 Caring for... Ear Infections Respiratory Conditions Urinary Tract Infections Eye & Vision Problems SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS A Simple Gide to Managing Yor Health Care and Living Well

2 [2] Caring for common conditions... Ear Infections Abot Ear Infections Ear infections are cased by a bildp of flid in the Estachian tbe a tbe that drains flid from the ears into the nasal passages. Ear infections are very common among yong children, althogh they can occr in adlts as ell. It has been estimated that seven ot of 10 children ill have at least one ear infection by age three. A good portion of these children ill have more than one ear infection. Ear infections occr in children most often, simply becase childrens Estachian tbes are shorter and less angled than are adlt Estachian tbes, making blockage more likely hen inflammation occrs. Contrary to common fear, ear infections don t normally case permanent hearing loss. Hoever, if ear infections aren t treated conscientiosly, it is possible for the infection to spread to the inner ear, here it can damage ear bones and the inner ear strctre, casing permanent hearing damage. With this in mind, it s important to treat yor child s ear infection early and ith a great deal of focs and determination. Doing so ill better ensre a lifetime of proper hearing for yo and/or yor yongster. Signs & Symptoms Becase ear infections often occr in yong children, they may not alays be able to commnicate the sitation clearly. Parents shold be aare of nonverbal ces indicating that an infection is present. Increased irritability in yor child, or plling on the ear shold cle parents in that an infection may be present. Other symptoms inclde: Fever in an infant (yonger than 3 months) greater than 100 F, or in an older child greater than 102 F Ear pain Increased crying in yong children and infants Temporary hearing loss Sdden loss of appetite Preference for sleeping in an pright position Thick, yello drainage from the ear, possibly inclding blood 66

3 [3] A Self-Care Essential Skip the Q-tip. Ear specialists recommend that cotton sabs NOT be sed to clean ears, becase they can be tramatic to the ear canal. Cotton sabs tend to force old skin, ax, and debris toard the eardrm, doing more harm than good. Try sing a soltion of hite vinegar and rbbing alcohol applied ith an ear dropper to remove ax. Don t se this method if yo have a perforated eardrm. When to Seek Care If pain and discomfort lasts beyond to to three days, seek medical attention. Ear infections are commonly treated ith antibiotics. Antibiotics sally clear p the infection ithin 10 days. After to to three days of taking the antibiotics, yor child shold begin to feel better. Even so, make sre that yor child takes the antibiotics for the recommended amont of time to make sre the infection clears p properly. Other signs that yo shold contact yor healthcare provider inclde the folloing. If pain contines for more than to to three days after practicing self-care Home Treatment Most ear infections ill rn their corse ithin a fe days if self-care techniqes are tilized. In fact, nearly 80 percent of ear infections clear p ithot any treatment at all. Use the folloing self-care techniqes to address an ear infection properly. Apply heat to the ear sing a heating pad or arm ashcloth. Be sre the temperatre is not too hot, and avoid this techniqe ith very yong children and infants. Employ an over-the-conter medication sch as acetaminophen, or ibprofen. Becase of the risk of Reye s syndrome, DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN! Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of clear flids daily. Avoid getting ater in the infected ear. Try sing eardrops ith a local anesthetic. Eardrops shold not be sed if there is drainage from the ear. Contined on the folloing page... If yor ear pain is severe, or getting orse See a doctor if yor pain is accompanied by headaches, a stiff neck or back, fever, dementia, or irritability If the infection is present in an infant (yonger than three months) ith a fever of greater than 100 F or an older child ith a fever of greater than 102 F If yelloish or bloody drainage is escaping from the ear If yo notice redness or selling behind the infected ear 67

4 [4] Caring for common conditions... Ear Infections Contined... Freqently Asked Qestions Take a look at the folloing freqently asked qestions they ll help yo frther nderstand this condition, and better care for yorself and yor family. Ho common are ear infections? Ear infections in children are actally qite common. In fact, 70 percent of children ill have at least one middle ear infection by the age of three. A good percentage of these children ill have recrrent ear infections. Next to the common cold, ear infections jst may be the most common illness in children. Why are children more prone to ear infections than adlts? Becase they have shorter, narroer Estachian tbes the tbes that drain flid from the inner ear. Dring an infection (like a common cold) the shorter, narroer Estachian tbes in children can become inflamed and sell more easily, trapping flid and alloing bacteria to florish. My child is experiencing recrrent ear infections. What are my options? Speak ith yor healthcare provider. Typically, antibiotics and time ill heal ear infections, hoever, if ear infections become chronic, they can be dangeros and may lead to hearing loss and delayed speech development. In some cases, yor doctor may recommend preventive antibiotic therapy or ear tbes to conteract this possibility. Do children otgro ear infections? For the most part, yes. As a child gros and develops, Estachian tbes become ider and more angled, and therefore fnction better. Ear infections are still possible in older children and adlts, bt are mch less common. Prevention Ear infections, especially in yonger children, are very hard, if not impossible to prevent. There are, hoever, a nmber of steps yo can take to make them less likely. Practice the folloing tips to minimize yor child s risk of an ear infection.. Limit exposre to other children ho have colds. Daycare centers can be breeding gronds for ear infections. Try a smaller daycare or keep yor child at home if possible.. Breast-feed yor baby. Infants ho are breast-fed have loer incidence of ear infections. 68 It has been estimated that seven ot of 10 children ill have at least one ear infection by age three.

5 [5]. Use care hen bottle-feeding. Feeding infants hile they re in an pright position can help to prevent ear infections.. Wash hands freqently. Ear infections are sally the reslt of other infections like a cold or the fl. Keeping yor hands clean can redce yor child s chances of coming don ith an ear infection.. Avoid cigarette smoke. Ear infections are more common in children ho are exposed to cigarette smoke.. Keep crrent on childhood immnizations. There is no specific immnization for ear infections; hoever, common immnizations may make yor child more resistant to illnesses that may lead to later ear infections.. Be carefl hen sing a pacifier. Babies ho contine to se their pacifiers after 12 months of age are more likely to develop ear infections. Ear Tbes: Are they right for yor child? For children ith severe and persistent ear infections, yor healthcare provider may recommend ear tbes. Ear tbes are small, plastic tbes, strategically placed throgh the eardrm hile a child is nder general anesthetic. These tbes help ear infections by alloing air to enter the middle ear and by providing better drainage from the middle ear into the ear canal. There are pros and cons to having ear tbes placed. Ultimately, the decision is p to yo and yor healthcare provider as to hat ill be best for yor child. Ear Tbe Pros: Air can more easily enter the middle ear helping to clear the infection. Drainage is improved helping to clear and prevent infections. Pressre and pain of ear infections can be decreased. Hearing can be restored to some degree. Tbes can help to prevent ftre ear infections. Ear Tbe Cons: Child mst be pt nder dring the srgery. Tbes can be a hassle hile tbes are in place, ater shold not enter the ear (yor child may have difficlty simming, shoering, etc.). The procedre might be frightening for yor child. There is a small chance of scarring or a permanent perforation in the eardrm. 69 Never stick anything deep into the ear canal as it can damage the ear drm and may case hearing loss.

6 [6] Caring for common conditions... Respiratory Conditions Abot Respiratory Conditions Allergies, bronchitis, and pnemonia are respiratory conditions that affect millions of Americans each year. In this section e ll learn abot allergies, bronchitis, and pnemonia, learning hen to employ self-care techniqes, and hen to contact a healthcare provider. Allergies an overreaction of the immne system to a normally harmless sbstance in the environment (called an allergen). Bronchitis an inflammation of the bronchial tbes leading to the lngs. Oftentimes, bronchitis appears ithin three to for days after an pper respiratory infection like a cold or the fl. Pnemonia an infection or inflammation that affects the bronchial tbes leading into the lngs. Pnemonia is typically the reslt of a bacterial infection; hoever, virses and parasites can also case this condition. Pnemonia sometimes follos a viral respiratory infection sch as a cold or bronchitis. Signs & Symptoms Each of these conditions allergies, bronchitis, and pnemonia have similar symptoms, yet there are some important differences. Take a look at the symptoms for each condition otlined here to determine hat yo may be sffering from, and hat yo can do to find relief. Allergies Itchy, atery eyes Nasal congestion Freqent sneezing A rash on the skin in the affected area Bronchitis A dry cogh that may later prodce phlegm Mild fever Tiredness Tightness in the chest Difficlty breathing and/or heezing Pnemonia A cogh prodcing yello, green, or bloody sptm Moderate to intense fever accompanied by chills Rapid, shallo, or trobled breathing Rapid heart beat Pain in the chest hen coghing Tiredness 70

7 [7] A Self-Care Essential Get Treated Right Aay. According to the American Lng Association, those ith chronic bronchitis often neglect to get professional medical treatment hen necessary becase they don t think bronchitis can be serios. Bt in advanced stages, bronchitis can case serios damage to the lngs and may lead to heart failre. If yo experience any of the serios symptoms of bronchitis listed in this section, contact a healthcare provider right aay. When to Seek Care Thogh most respiratory conditions are typically mild, they can become very serios, reqiring the assistance of a healthcare professional. If yo have any of the folloing symptoms, yo shold seek medical care immediately. Allergies If yo have signs of anaphylactic shock, see a doctor immediately. Symptoms inclde hives all over the body, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and/or throat, or selling of the tonge or face. If yo become disoriented If yo become lightheaded or dizzy If yo develop diarrhea If yo are vomiting Bronchitis If chest pain is crshing or feels like a heavy eight on yor chest (symptoms of a possible heart attack) If yor cogh is accompanied by tightness in the chest or heezing, or if yor cogh brings p green, yello, or bloody sptm from the lngs for more than to days If yo are vomiting to the point of feeling faint If yo are having difficlty breathing or heezing is increasing If symptoms do not improve ithin 10 to 14 days Pnemonia If yo sspect yo have pnemonia, contact yor healthcare provider right aay. Treatment for pnemonia almost alays involves the se of antibiotics If chest pain is crshing or feels like a heavy eight on yor chest (symptoms of a possible heart attack) If there is a blish he in yor lips or fingertips If yor cogh is accompanied by tightness in the chest or heezing, or if yor cogh brings p green, yello, or bloody sptm from the lngs for more than to days If yo are vomiting to the point of feeling faint Contined on the folloing page... Over 11 million Americans are diagnosed ith chronic bronchitis each year. 71

8 [8] Caring for common conditions... Respiratory Conditions Contined... Home Treatment Home treatment for most respiratory conditions is preferable as long as severe symptoms do not develop (see, When to Seek Care for a listing of severe symptoms). With proper care, it is possible to feel better ithin a eek or to, except for cases of severe pnemonia, hich may take several eeks to clear p. Allergies Try over-the-conter antihistamines like Claritin or Tavist. Use over-the-conter decongestants like Sdafed or Neo-Synephrine. Try breathing steam to clear nasal congestion. Use nonprescription nasal sprays, eye drops, and nose drops bt not for more than three days. Bronchitis Hmidify yor environment to help ease congestion. Drink more flids than sal at least eight, 8 oz. glasses of flid per day. Try an over-the-conter cogh medicine for symptom relief. Use an over-the-conter pain reliever sch as ibprofen or acetaminophen. Adlts may take aspirin (never give aspirin to a child!). Pnemonia If yo sspect yo have pnemonia, contact yor healthcare provider right aay. Treatment for pnemonia almost alays involves the se of antibiotics. Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of flid per day to help bring mcs ot of yor lngs. Use an over-the-conter pain reliever sch as aspirin, ibprofen, or acetaminophen to redce fever and alleviate the accompanying body aches (never give aspirin to a child!). Try a nonprescription decongestant to help soothe a cogh. Try breathing steam to clear nasal congestion. If yo sspect yo have pnemonia, contact yor healthcare provider right aay yo may benefit from antibiotics. 72

9 [9] Freqently Asked Qestions Take a look at the folloing freqently asked qestions they ll help yo frther nderstand this condition, and better care for yorself and yor family. I ve heard that as I age, risk of serios complications from pnemonia increase. What can I do to redce my risk? Yo can get the pnemococcal vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for those ages 65 or older, or those ho have chronic health conditions sch as asthma. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children nder to years of age also receive the pnemococcal vaccine. Does smoking case bronchitis? According the American Lng Association smoking is by far the most common case of chronic bronchitis. Smoking also cases heart disease, cancer, and emphysema. There s only one right thing to do hen it comes to smoking qit! Ho can I tell the difference beteen a common cold and allergies? Allergies and colds can often prodce the same kinds of symptoms rnny nose, sneezing, congestion, etc. The main difference beteen the to is that an allergic reaction ill most likely prodce all symptoms at the same time. A cold, on the other hand, generally prodces these symptoms in sccession. Another ay to distingish allergies from a cold is to look at dration colds typically last one eek, hereas allergies ill remain as long as the allergen is present. Prevention There are many things yo can do redce yor chances of developing bronchitis or pnemonia, or to avoid allergic reactions. Take a look at some of the tips belo. Allergies. Kno yor allergy triggers like pet dander, pollen, or latex for example and, if possible, avoid them.. Keep yor hose and car indos closed.. Don t smoke.. Try sing a HEPA filter on yor air conditioner or air prifier (HEPA filters can redce imprities in the air). Bronchitis and Pnemonia. Get a pnemococcal vaccination, especially if yo are over the age of 65 or if yo have a chronic condition sch as asthma.. Get a fl shot. Bronchitis and pnemonia can develop on the heels of a cold or the fl.. Stop smoking. Smoking is by far the most common case of chronic bronchitis.. Get plenty of rest and increase yor level of physical activity. Taking care of yorself can help to keep yor immne system strong. Cigarette smoking is by far the most common case of chronic bronchitis. 73

10 [10] Caring for common conditions... Urinary Tract Infections Abot Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Jst as its name sggests, a rinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the rinary tract, hich is comprised of the kidneys, the passageay beteen the kidneys and the bladder (reter), the actal bladder, and a small tbe that carries rine to the otside of yor body (rethra). An infection of the rinary tract takes place most often hen E. coli bacteria enter the rethra (the tbe throgh hich rine passes), and then enters yor rine or bladder. The infection may then travel from the bladder to the reter and finally to the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are very common, and thogh not typically a serios medical condition, a UTI can be painfl and ncomfortable. The folloing information can help yo recognize, treat, and relieve the pain associated ith a rinary tract infection. An infection of the rinary tract takes place hen bacteria from the digestive system adhere to the opening of the rethra and begin to mltiply. The infection may then travel on to the bladder, the reter, and finally to the kidneys. 74

11 [11] A Self-Care Essential A Jicy Qestion. For years, cranberry jice has been consmed to treat and prevent rinary tract infections. And hile the clinical evidence on the effectiveness of cranberry jice for treating UTIs remains mixed, the benefits of flshing yor system ith flids to cleanse bacteria are ell knon. Make sre to drink plenty of flids each day cranberry jice or otherise hen yo have a UTI. The extra flids ill help cleanse yor system. Signs & Symptoms The symptoms of UTIs are easy to identify. Consider the folloing signs and symptoms and determine hether or not yo may be sffering from a UTI. Pain or brning dring rination Freqent rges to rinate in small amonts Inability to control rine release Discolored rine (sally red or pink) Pain in the loer abdomen Urine that looks clody Unsal smelling rine Loer back pain on one side of the body Nasea, vomiting, fever, and/or chills When to Seek Care While most rinary tract infections can be treated easily at home, if symptoms persist or orsen, it s important that yo see yor healthcare provider. Untreated rinary tract infections can spread to other parts of the body sch as the kidneys, and case serios complications. If yo re experiencing any of the folloing symptoms, see yor healthcare provider right aay. If yor symptoms last longer than one or to days folloing self-care treatment If rination is extremely painfl, and occrs ith: A fever of 101 F or greater Blood in the rine Discharge from the vagina or penis Nasea and vomiting Fever and chills See a healthcare provider if yo experience loer back pain on one side of the body (commonly referred to as flank pain) If yo re pregnant If yo are nable to rinate despite a strong desire If yor yong child is experiencing the symptoms of a UTI especially if it is a second occrrence Home Treatment With qick attention and proper care, a rinary tract infection can be easily and effectively treated in the comfort of yor on home. Hoever, if yor symptoms last longer than one or to days after beginning self-care, yo shold see yor healthcare provider for treatment. The folloing self-care techniqes ill help yo treat a rinary tract infection at home. Drink plenty of flids at least eight, 8 oz. glasses per day especially in the first 24 hors. Forcing flids can help to ash ot bacteria casing the infection. Check yor temperatre tice daily a fever can indicate a serios infection that needs medical attention. Use a hot pad to soothe yor genital area a arm bath may help, too (avoid harsh soaps and bbble baths). Urinate as often as possible and make sre to completely empty yor bladder each time don t psh too hard as it may case injry. Avoid intimate activity and don t se a diaphragm ntil the infection clears. Contined on the folloing page... Untreated rinary tract infections can spread to other parts of the body sch as the kidneys, and case serios complications. 75

12 [12] Caring for common conditions... Urinary Tract Infections Contined... Freqently Asked Qestions Take a look at the folloing freqently asked qestions they ll help yo frther nderstand this condition, and better care for yorself and yor family. If I have to go to the doctor for a UTI, hat ill he or she do? Becase UTIs are so common, a trip to the doctor is really nothing to orry abot. Yor doctor ill ask yo to rinate into a cp, and the rine ill be tested for the presence of an infection. If an infection is fond, yor doctor ill most likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear p the infection. What cases rinary tract infections? There are a lot of things that can case a rinary tract infection. Bacteria from boel movements can case an infection if it makes its ay into yor rinary tract. For omen, sexal intercorse can psh bacteria into the bladder casing an infection. Those ith diabetes may also be more ssceptible to rinary tract infections becase diabetes makes it harder for yor body to fight off infection. I ve heard that pregnant omen are more likely to sffer from a rinary tract infection. Is this tre? Not necessarily. Hoever, it may be more likely that the infection ill travel to the kidneys in pregnant omen. Doctors believe that the position of the rinary tract, along ith hormonal changes that occr dring pregnancy, make it easier for bacteria to travel throgh the reters and into the kidneys. 76

13 [13] Prevention While UTIs are extremely common, they aren t necessarily inevitable. There are some steps yo can to take to avoid getting a rinary tract infection. And hile the verdict is still ot on the effectiveness of these prevention efforts, many ho have sffered sear by the tips belo.. If yo have an ncircmcised boy, make sre he knos ho to ash his foreskin properly.. Be sre that yor child makes adeqate trips to the bathroom. Prevention for Adlts If yo re a common sfferer give the folloing strategies a try:. Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of flid per day.. Urinate at the first feeling of need do not ait ntil it s more convenient to rinate.. Wear cotton nderear to keep dry and loose clothing to allo skin to breathe.. If yo se a diaphragm, keep it clean and checked reglarly for proper fitting.. Avoid intercorse ntil the infection clears. Prevention in Children Yor child s ell-being is alays a concern, so it s important to treat a UTI in children as early as possible, and also take steps to prevent them from occrring. The folloing steps can help prevent UTIs in children.. Don t give yor child bbble baths soapy soltions are perfect places for bacteria to thrive.. Be sre yor child ears loose fitting clothing this incldes nderear.. If yo have a girl, make sre she ipes from front to back hen sing the bathroom. Drinking at least eight, 8 oz. glasses of flids daily can help flsh the bacteria casing a UTI. 77

14 [14] Caring for common conditions... Eye & Vision Problems Abot Eye & Vision Problems Althogh vision problems can be ncomfortable and sometimes frightening, most are not serios. In fact, the three common vision problems discssed here dry eyes, pink eye (conjnctivitis), and styes are qite common and are sally not case for alarm. Signs & Symptoms Dry Eyes In addition to the natral drying of or eyes ith age, allergies, smoke, dst, and some medications (sleeping aids, blood pressre pills, etc.) can case dry eyes. Symptoms inclde: Eyes that feel hot and gritty hen blinking Eyes that are irritated and slightly red Difficlty closing the eyelid Pink Eye (Conjnctivitis) Pink eye is an inflammation of the membrane (conjnctiva) that lines the eyelid and eyeball. Bacteria, virses, and irritants in the air can case pink eye. Symptoms inclde: One or both eyes become red and/or itchy Sensitivity to light Slightly blrred vision Eye discharge that may crst over as yo sleep Styes A sty is a non-contagios infection of an eyelash follicle. Normally, styes fill ith ps for abot a eek and then brst. Symptoms inclde: Itchy eyelid Red bmp on the eye lid When to Seek Care There are some general eye symptoms that reqire immediate, emergency attention. Seek medical attention in the folloing sitations. Contined on the folloing page See a doctor immediately if yo experience sdden, partial, or total loss of vision.

15 [15] General If yo experience sdden, partial, or total loss of vision. Seek medical attention immediately in this case mintes can mean the difference beteen healthy eyes and vision loss. If yo experience severely blrred vision and colored halos arond bright objects (sign of sdden glacoma). If yo notice a veil-like filter covering yor field of vision or yo see flashes of light appear in one eye (sign of retinal detachment). Dry Eyes If yor condition persists despite self-care treatments. Pink Eye A Self-Care Essential Picking the Right Pair of Snglasses. Are darker lenses in snglasses more protective than lighter lenses? No. Tint has nothing to do ith it. What yo ant to look for is adeqate protection against both UVA and UVB light. Look for a sticker on yor snglasses that reads, Z80.3. These snglasses meet varios protection standards set by the American National Standards Institte. See a doctor if there is pain in the eye(s), blrred vision, or a loss of vision. If yo feel like there s something in yor eye. If yello, green, or bloody discharge accompanies redness of the eye(s). If ppils are different sizes. If pink eye does not respond to self-care or if symptoms last longer than one eek. If the sty does not respond to self-care treatment ithin one eek. If the sty seems to be affecting the entire eye or eyeball. Home Treatment Dry Eyes Try the folloing strategies to gain relief from dry eyes. Blink yor eyes as often as yo can. Avoid eye irritants sch as smoke or dst. Use over-the-conter eye drops like Allergan or Aqa Site to help relieve dry eyes. Pink Eye If yo experience any symptoms of pink eye, contact yor healthcare provider. Yor healthcare provider may test the secretions from yor eye to determine hether the case is viral or bacterial. Viral pink eye ill sally clear p on its on, hile bacterial pink eye ill reqire an antibiotic eye drop or ointment. Sty Use the folloing self-care tips to treat a sty. Apply a arm compress to the sty for to five times daily for 10 mintes to ease pain. Do not sqeeze a sty, or attempt to pop it. If it does brst, let it do so on its on. If the sty brsts, rinse yor eye thoroghly. Sty If sty pain is severe or if a sty qickly increases in size. 79

16 Do yo kno ho to care for... Conditions? SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS A Simple Gide to Managing Yor Health Care and Living Well Important information on Conditions Ear Infections Respiratory Conditions Urinary Tract Infections Eye & Vision Problems Take The Self-Care Qiz The qiz belo is designed to test yor knoledge on the information presented in this section. Use this qiz as a tool to better nderstand ho to care for yorself and others. Tre False 1. Ear infections are most common among children. 2. Dark lenses in snglasses are more protective. 3. Cigarette smoking is by far the most common case of chronic bronchitis. 4. Urinary tract infections are very rare. 5. Yo shold pop a sty as soon as yo find it. Managing Yor On Health and Seeking Medical Care The information contained in this gide is based on the best health information available and has been revieed for accracy. This information is not intended to replace the advice of yor healthcare provider. If yo have any qestions abot managing yor on health and/or seeking medical care, please contact a medical professional. Wellness Concils of America 9802 Nicholas Street, Site 315 Omaha, NE Phone: (402) Fax: (402) elcoa.org 2005 Wellness Concils of America Ansers can be fond inside this section. 80