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Some Information we provide
Asthma
Overview
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it’s important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
Lead Poisoning
Overview
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. Other sources include contaminated air, water and soil. Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations or work in auto repair shops also might be exposed to lead.
There is treatment for lead poisoning, but taking some simple precautions can help protect you and your family from lead exposure before harm is done.
Food Allergies
Overview
Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 3 and up to 3 percent of adults. While there’s no cure, some children outgrow their food allergy as they get older.
It’s easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance. While bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system.
Gastrostomy Tube
Overview
(G-tube) A gastronomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. Some children have medical problems that prevent them from adequately taking nutrients my mouth such as breast feeding, bottles, eating or drinking. This is a medical procedure that doctors perform to make sure that children are able to get the nutrients that is needed to thrive.
Here a list of some common conditions that might require a child to need a G-tube:
1. Sucking and swallowing disorders, which are often related to prematurity
2. Abnormalities of the mouth, esophagus’s, stomach or intestines
3. Developmental delays
4. Failure to thrive
5. Failure to gain weight and grow appropriately
6. Certain neuromuscular conditions
7. Cerebral palsy
A child will have the Gastrostomy tube placed by one of three ways
1. PEG- percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG) through the skin. This is the most common technique, uses and endoscope which is a thin flexible tube with a small camera and light at the tip.
2. Laparoscopic Technique is done by making several small incisions into the abdomen and inserting a telescope to make the stomach visible to the surgeon. This technique can also be used with the PEG approach as well as other abdominal surgeries performed at the same time.
3. Open Surgery is a good technique if the child’s anatomy will not allow for a PEG, also if there’s additional abdominal surgeries or procedures needed this may be a good time move forward with it.
After surgery the site will be monitored and able to begin feeding. The child’s family will be trained on how to use the G-tube, care for it and what to look out for. Upon going home a nurse will schedule a visit to come to the house to make sure that the feeding are going well and assist with concerns.