5 Unique Mannerisms and Facial Signs of Allergic Rhinitis

Is your kid having paroxysmal bouts of sneezing? If he does, do you usually see him trying to wrinkle his nose because of itchiness? Or do you notice regular clear watery discharges from his nose? Be advised! That is the classic presentation of rhinitis.
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose, characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea or clear watery nasal discharge, sneezing and nose itching. If there is a strong family background of allergy in the family, allergic form of rhinitis should be strongly considered. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, often known as hay fever is generally seen in children and grown ups who are sensitized to pollens of trees and grasses. Perennial allergic rhinitis has signs and symptoms which occur throughout the year. It is induced by allergens that the patient is constantly exposed to like home dust mites, pet danders, feathers and some animals. Food allergens can additionally be the offending agent.
A kid with allergic rhinitis has airway blockage due to boggy edema of his nasal mucus membranes. Symptoms involve repeated sore throats, dryness of the mouth, loud night breathing, and a nasal quality tot the voice. Interestingly, a kid or even an adult with allergic rhinitis can be recognized based on their skin characteristics and mannerisms.

1. Rabbit nose. This is a mannerism by the kid trying to wrinkle his nose due to itchiness.

2. Allergic salute. A mannerism by the kid referring to the upward or sideways thrust of the palm of the hand against the tip of his nose once watery rhinorrhea and itchiness are significant.

3. Transverse crease. That pertains to the horizontal ridges at the junction of the tip of the nose and the much more rigid bridge. Repeated mannerisms of rabbit nose and allergic salute lead to the formation of the crease.

4. Allergic shiners - These are dark circles under the eyes due to venous stasis resulting from blood flow obstruction brought on by the edema of the nasal mucous membranes.

5. Mouth breathing - Due to sinus obstruction, the child is obligated to breathe in the mouth. Most of the time afterwards he keeps his mouth somewhat open, and this can bring about mouth dryness.
Recognition of these facial features can help in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Once suspected, the child should be brought to a medical practitioner for parent/child education concerning allergic rhinitis, allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy.

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Eye Allergy

Severe allergic eye symptoms are cause for visits to the allergist, ophthalmologist and even the emergency room and are very distressing. Sometimes resulting in visits to the emergency room, these are commonly cause for visits to the allergist and ophthalmologist. Serious eye damage caused due to allergies can threaten eyesight occasionally. Causes for allergy in eyes are along the lines of hay fever and allergic asthma and are associated with allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and dermatitis (atopic eczema). Cosmetics and medications are causes that likely cause eye allergies. Eye irritants that cause reactions are often associated with eye conditions and infections such as pink eye.

Basic anatomy of the outer eye
The outer eye involves the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane (tissue) lining covering the inner folds of the eyelids and white surface of the eyeball. Substances stimulating an allergic response cause eye allergies. When exposed to the environment, the barrier structure of the conjunctiva that is rich in blood vessels and contains more histamine releasing cells (mast cells) than the lungs has to deal with different airborne allergies.
The lacrimal tear glands located in the upper and outer portions of the eye, produce the watery component of tears which help keep the eyes moist and wash the irritants away. Immunoglobulin (antibodies) that are important immune defense components, enzymes, lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells) contained in the cornea tears is the transparent sheath in front of the lens of the eye. There is little immune activity in the cornea and no blood vessels are present.

Eyes - easy target for allergies
The conjunctiva, unlike the filtering system such as the cilia of the nose, is exposed directly to the environment upon opening the eyes. Developing similar to those in the nose, allergy symptoms that cause the antibody IgE to coat the numerous mast cells in the conjunctiva to release mediators like histamine. This produces burning, itching and runny eyes that turn red due to inflammation. Swelling of the eyelids may occur and they may even close together. Swelling with fluid, when the conjunctiva protrudes from the surface of the eye and resembles a "hive", the situation is more serious and light sensitivity may be induced. Typically, the allergic reaction affects both the eyes and since the one infected eye when rubbed makes mast cells release more histamine.
When allergens are the cause for the reaction and inflammation caused in the conjunctiva, the situation is referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. The inflammation causes blood vessels to enlarge and this results in the eyes having a red or bloodshot appearance.

Allergy assist
To rub itchy eyes is the natural response is to and usually due to the physical impact on the mast cells, this worsens the allergic reaction causing more mediators of the immune response to be released. Therefore, do not rub your eyes.

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Stop the Dental Fear

It's normal for humans to protect themselves from pain. Seriously, who would want to be in pain? Most humans fear pain and this is probably the reason why many are scared of  dentist. It's a common misconception that all dental procedures are painful. There are some that are painful like a root canal procedure but with the technology of today's world, these procedures can already be almost painless or totally painless. You can talk to your dentist about your painless options or you can do a research on their website about the dental procedure. It helps to prepare your mind in advance in conquering your fear.

Out teeth, just like any other parts of our body, is an essential part so we need to take care of it to prevent dental diseases and prevent bad health conditions. Sometimes dental conditions are indication that something is wrong with your body. And dentist can help identify if it's really your oral hygiene or if it's time to be referred to other physicians. To avoid frequent visit to a dentist, you can maintain a good oral hygiene by following the tips below.

It is important to visit dentist every six months because aside from diagnosing, examining, cleaning and treating your teeth, they also educate patient in how to take care of their teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a must for everyone and this will not take so much of your time. It is recommended to brush the teeth twice a day and even babies with teeth are not exempted. Also, regularly change your toothbrush, ideally every three months.

Most people are using mouthwash to keep their teeth and mouth fresh and clean. Calgary dentist recommends mouthwash with fluoride to prevent and kill bacteria that cause plaque. Flossing teeth is also one routine that we should not forget because there are some debris in our teeth that toothbrush cannot reach and remove. Eating a well balanced diet is also important to keep our teeth strong and healthy. As much as possible we should avoid drinking and eating foods that can cause tooth decay like soda, coffee, chocolates, candies, ice cream and others.

There are a lot of dentist out there but it is better to choose the good dentist to help you in maintaining your oral health. Choose a dentist that has good educational background, brilliant experience and has the knowledge in using latest equipments and in performing latest procedures. With our advanced technology today, there is nothing impossible in treating and mending almost all dental defects.

We should keep in mind the importance of going to dentist and make it a habit. You should face your fear because dentists are not bad guys and they are here to help you in maintaining good oral health. Forget about your pain and anxiety because it will not do anything for your oral health. If you have this kind of fear, feel free to talk to your dentist so he or she can help you.

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What Makes Garlic so Good for Your health?

Garlic is an herb of universal significance. It has been a prized ingredient in cuisines of virtually every single culture around the world, and highly regarded as an age-old herbal remedy. As a matter of fact, scholars and scientists alike are having problem tracing its origins as its cultivars have been well domesticated around the world since time immemorial. In recent years, studies have looked into a number of its purported health benefits, including its potential value against cancer.

Earliest records show that garlic has been cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses since the ancient times. It is one of the few plants that are recorded in both the Bible and the Talmud. All the prominent physicians in Classical Antiquity like Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen, and Pliny the Older have made detailed mentions of its use in treatment of diseases of the four humors, an early explanation of the human body adapted by Greco-Roman naturalists. Today garlic is reputed as a good source of micronutrients, including an assortment of vitamins and minerals.

Protecting Cellular Health

Raw garlic is rich in phytochemicals that display antioxidant properties, such as Vitamin C, known to aid the body against oxidative stress. Free radicals are released throughout the body to combat pathogenic microbes and other invasive stimuli, but themselves become a threat in large numbers, triggering the process called oxidative stress that damages healthy cells. Even consumptions of cooked garlic have shown activities that contribute to curbing excessive releases of free radicals, reining in their effects at the molecular level.

Regulating Blood Sugar

The use of garlic to reduce high blood glucose levels has long been publicized. Garlic contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that are necessitated during the conversion of glycogen into glucose and its consequent release into the bloodstream. Glucose is transported from the liver or intestines to cells of all body parts as it is the primary energy source of the human body, and ultimately absorbed by the cells with the aid of the hormone insulin. Diet may increase the risk of acquiring conditions related to unhealthy sugar levels in the body such as diabetes mellitus. Fortunately, intake of garlic products counters the underlying factors of diabetes.

Lowering Bad Cholesterol

It has been widely observed that those regions with populations known for regular intake of garlic in any forms have low incidence of diseases related to high levels of cholesterol. The scientific community remains inconclusive as to how garlic exactly help the human body lower cholesterol, but studies that involved patients diagnosed with high blood cholesterol have reported that garlic acts as an inhibitory factor in the aggregation of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream and the formation of plaques in the arterial walls.

In addition, garlic has been known for its antiseptic properties, relieving illnesses brought about by bacteria, viruses, and protozoans such as the contraction of the common cold and sore throat. Having no known side effects, garlic has an unending list of health benefits just waiting for scientific confirmation.

Good quality garlic found at your health food store will mention allicin on its label. Allicin is the active ingredient and is what causes that garlic odor that normally accompanies this wonderful herb. Look for it in odorless form for easy of use.

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Vitamin A - How It Helps the Eyes

One of the things we make sure we get from our diet is Vitamin A because we know that it has to do with keeping our eyes healthy. Not only does this vitamin remove the threat of developing vision problems, but it also plays a direct role in creating the images you see. Without this one thing the human eye is not capable of processing light into concrete and tangible pictures. In addition, getting the right amounts of this vitamin translates to fine-tuning the clearness of human vision.

SOURCE
There are many precursors of vitamin A. Carotenoids, such as beta carotene, are pro-vitamin A that are abundant in plant sources, for example carrots and sweet potatoes. Retinol, the form we get from most animal sources, is the same form of the vitamin present in our body, and thus called pre-formed vitamin A. When the human body digests and absorbs any of these precursors, the liver converts them into many other forms for use by specific body parts. These forms are products of metabolism with some differences in their molecular structures but all collectively known as vitamin A. One form called retinal is delivered to the eyes where it is incorporated into the proteins that make up the retina.

VISION
Whenever we open our eyes the particles of light around us are interpreted by our brain. The cornea, the transparent outermost layer of the human eye, manages the direction and speed of the light coming in together with the lens. The pupil is the opening to the inner part of the eye, and the iris controls the amount of light that enters by changing the size and diameter of the pupil. When the light hits the retina, it is processed by cells capable of absorbing or reflecting each light particle. The images that we see are products of processed light particles.
vitamin A plays a major role in human body so,we should add vitamin A in our daily food.

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What is psychology

psychology is the field that deals with the study of human behavior and the changes that come with age.
Humans have and will always remain in the constant loop of evolution, as we are born so shall we die. A fact undisputed, none the less the metamorphosis that we go through, is evident in our progression which is both physical as well as psychological. Developmental psychology is one such field that deals with the scientific analysis of the behavioral changes that occur in people throughout their lifespan. Initially, this field was centralized around the study of how infants and children portrayed behavioral changes, though now it has diversified into finding out the circumstantial causes and effects of childhood on adults as well. Why some people behave in different situations differently and why some people just seem overtly sensitive to seemingly normal incidences? The reason being that each individual is keyed according to the experiences as well as traumas that affected the course of their lives. That is why this field of psychology tries to inspect and extract the tiny nuances, that might have had a decisive role in affecting the way some people behave. This field tries to help them improve their lives for the better.

What is the Main Focus of Developmental Psychology?
The main focus of developmental psychology is to gather information about human development, through observation. It includes the study of the progress and behavior of humans from the womb until the grave. They focus on studying the progression as well as the factors that determine people's personalities, intelligence, genealogy, morality and the way they approach and handle circumstances. This field has existed for centuries in some form or the other, wherein several theories of developmental psychology have been conceptualized by various psychologists. One of the most popularly accepted as well as protested, theoretical perspectives of psychology, was 'Childhood and Society', which was put forth by Erik Erikson in 1963. His work involved the study of human behavior in relation to themselves and their society, in a few basic stages of developmental psychology. Here is what he stated, the 4 stages deal with children, which go on to affect their behavioral tendencies as adults:

Stage 1 - Trust vs Mistrust - This stage occurs from the child's inception, or his birth up till the age of 1 year. Erickson believed that children develop a sense of trust or mistrust based on the way they are treated. They bestow their trust on only those who fulfill their needs of food, comfort, protection and sleep. If these are absent then the child would feel mistrust towards the world, even in the long run.

Stage 2 - Autonomy vs Shame - This stage dwells on the personalities children develop between the age of 1-3, wherein children will be autonomous if their parents or guardians allow them the freedom to explore their curiosity, ask questions freely without fear of being reprimanded, and to be able to express their imagination without any hesitation. On the lateral side of the spectrum lies the verdict of shame. This emotion develops among children if their parents are overtly restrictive and stifling. These children find it hard to express themselves freely and when they do, they feel insignificant and fearful of the repercussions. Thus they develop introvert characteristics.

Stage 3 - Initiative vs Guilt - This stage unravels the personalities of children between the age of 3-6 years, wherein children try and do things with a sense of further curiosity and initiative. Some times they succeed and they feel good about themselves. But at times they fail or things go wrong, and they experience guilt. Though a lot depends on how parents deal with their children, which predominantly affects their personalities. Parents who encourage their children to explore and at the same time explain to them the disadvantages of doing something incorrectly, often have children who develop a healthy and balanced persona.

Stage 4 - Industry vs Inferiority - This is the last stage that deals with children between the age of 6-12. Herein children at this age develop a sense of initiative as well as competency in all spectrum of their life. That may include, at school, among friends as well as at home. Parents who help them grow and progress through words of comfort and encouragement have children who develop industrious personalities. While children who are discouraged and ridiculed by their parents for having failed, end up developing an inferiority complex. Wherein they feel that they are constantly being compared with others, and that they are not good enough as individuals. They fail to please their parents, which have emotionally traumatic effects on the way they feel about themselves and about others who are better off.

Urie Bronfenbrenner's - Human Ecology Theory

Considered as one of the leading scholars of developmental psychology, Urie Bronfenbrenner's theory stated that development of a human being transcends 5 environmental systems. They were:

• Micro System: The micro system includes parents, school, pets, neighbors and every other entity that is a part of an individual's daily life. These influence determine the way the individual will react to different situations.
• Meso System: Refers to interpersonal social relationships. For example the relationship that one shares with parents and with school members. If the relationship is unsound at home, there is a high possibility that the child will have underdeveloped relationships with people at school etc.
• Exo System: Refers to the indirect consequences that may occur in social settings, wherein the affected individual does not have an active role to play nor do they have any control over the situation. For instance, if the husband is convicted of a crime and sent to jail, the wife and the child will be financially affected. Now there will be only one earning member thus more burden on the wife. More arguments between the couple and the fact that the child will not get to interact with his father often.
• Macro System: Refers to the influence culture and country has on an individual though process and lifestyle.
• Chrono System: Refers to the influence of sociohistorical events on people. Such as trends that change the socio political aspects of people's daily life, example: how the recession affected the way people manage their finance and job opportunities.

James J. Gibson & Roger G. Barker's - Ecological Psychology

Both these psychologists believed that real world behavior patterns of humans was a stronger ground for research as compared to laboratory settings. Gibson's theory dealt with the fact that humans modulate and adapt their behavior as per the environmental settings in which they are placed. Which means that the same individual will have two distinct behavior when placed in two different situations. For instance when placed among society, the individual's nature would be socially appropriate when placed in a peaceful neighborhood, or a school. Though if placed in a war zone, the individual's first instinct would be survival, which could lead to appropriate behavior such as defensive or offensive reactions against the enemy. The theory revolves around the concept of 'Direct perception' which refutes the older school of though based on Indirect perception. Ecological psychology also rejected the concepts of cognitivist's view of human behavior as well as the theory of information processing, which believed in the latent information that all humans posses and manifest in the future. Gibson's theory believed that man behaved according to what he though was the appropriate to that situation. Therefore, the basis of what is appropriate or not is conceptualized through observation and learning.

Ironically, all theories except Gibson's, concentrate mostly on the developmental psychology of children as they believe it holds the crux to the personalities that these children develop as adults. The importance of developmental psychology, may or may not appease some, as not all situations can be categorized as good or bad. Adults who have come from vastly dissimilar backgrounds may face similar situations which may change their perception about life as well as their personalities. The fact remains that we are constantly changing and so are our thoughts, feelings and opinions. The following information on the research methods in developmental psychology helps shed further light on this article.

Hopefully this article helped you get a brief overview as to what is psychology all about. Psychologists have helped many people move on with their lives, by allowing them to let go off their past experiences that may have damaged the way they look at themselves.

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The Best Way to Treat A Child’s Fever

If your child’s temperature was 100.3 degrees, would you consider that a fever? Would you wake him or her to administer an anti-fever medication? If you answered yes to both questions, you have a lot of company. You are also wrong.
A study published in the March issue of the Journal pediatrics found that roughly half of all parents erroneously believe a body temperature of less than 100.4 degrees is a fever and about 85 percent say they would wake a sleeping child to give medication to lower his temperature. Another one-quarter said they would give OTC anti-fever medicines to kids with temperatures below 100 degrees.
Not only does the study suggest that Dr. Mom and Dr. Dad overreact when they think their kids have a fever, but a frightening 50 percent of parents give the wrong dose of medications like ibuprofenor acetaminophen for their child’s weight, which could result in excessive doses that might be harmful. Instead, parents should focus more on their child’s comfort than solely the thermometer reading.

USE THESE TIPS TO PREVENT THE FLU IN SCHOOL:

While it’s alarming when your little one has a fever—I’ll never forget how frightened I was when one of my daughters spiked a temperature of 105 degrees—most of the time fever is not serious. After all, a fever is the body’s natural way of battling infections. When viruses or bacteria attack, white blood cells come to rescue by producing interleukin, a hormone that raises body temperature. In effect, the heat helps kill germs that are making your child sick.

HOW TO TAKE A TEMPERATURE:

Most pediatricians consider a rectal temperature to be the gold standard in accuracy in kids, while armpit temperatures and pacifier thermometers are the least reliable. Body temperature varies according to time of day and is lowest in the morning and early evening. To qualify as a fever, the rectal thermometer reading must be 100.4 or above.

TREATING AFEVER WITHOUT MEDICATION:

Medication usually isn’t necessary for mild fevers. Dress your child in a light, single layer of clothing when indoors and use minimal bedcovers. A sponge bath with lukewarm water helps quell a fever. The main goal should be keeping your child comfortable—not reducing the temperature to normal, the Pediatrics report emphasizes. Also make sure your child is well hydrated. Fruit juice, popsicles, soup and Jello are all choices with kid-appeal.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Never give kids aspirin, which has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder. Avoid use of rubbing alcohol because it can be absorbed through the skin. Do not give adult medications to kids even if you try to adjust the dosage. Also avoid cold baths or ice to lower temperature. These cool the skin, then causing shivering, which in turn boosts temperature. Nor is it necessary to wake up kids to give anti-fever medications. Above all, don’t panic—even if your child spikes a fever high enough to trigger a seizure (a relatively infrequent problem), it’s still extremely unlikely to do any lasting harm. Most kids bounce back from a fever in a day or two. With a healthy dose of TLC, your child should soon be well again.

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