Ask Doctor Cory: for parents and teachers.Dear Dr. Cory: Is asthma a condition that a child may grow out of, or does it persist throughout life? Rhonda Gilbert * Buffalo, New York Dear Ms. Gilbert: For most people asthma is a lifelong inflammatory disease. Experts say that symptoms in young children often seem to resolve and then flare up later in life. Some children will stop wheezing Wheezing Definition Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing. Description Wheezing occurs when a child or adult tries to breathe deeply through air passages that are narrowed or filled with mucus as a with viral respiratory illnesses as they grow and their airways get bigger. However, people with asthma continue to have sensitive airways. Having risk factors that cause airways to react, such as allergies or living with smokers, increases the chances that asthma symptoms will persist. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States. It deals with issues of allergy at all levels, including asthma and immunology. also reports that asthma symptoms may improve or worsen during adolescence. For more allergy and asthma information, please see our Web site at www.humptydumptymag.org. Dear Dr. Cory: Recently our toddler had diarrhea and my friend suggested I boil milk and give it to him. I didn't do it because I have never heard of this before. Is it something I should do if he has diarrhea again? Heather Palowski * San Antonio, Texas “San Antonio” redirects here. For other uses, see San Antonio (disambiguation). San Antonio is the second most populous city in Texas, the third most populous metropolitan area in Texas, and is the seventh most populous city in the United States. As of the 2006 U.S. Dear Ms. Palowski: Pediatricians advise that children not be given boiled milk. Boiling causes water to evaporate from any type of milk--and leaves behind potentially dangerous amounts of salt and minerals. Dehydration is a primary concern when a child has diarrhea. Giving boiled milk could make the situation worse, rather than better. Dear Dr. Cory: Recently I have been seeing a lot of information promoting the health benefits of drinking raw milk. Is it really that much better for you, and is it safe to drink? From my understanding, raw milk is not pasteurized pas·teur·ize tr.v. pas·teur·ized, pas·teur·iz·ing, pas·teur·iz·es To subject (a beverage or other food) to pasteurization. pas . Kim Brewster * Louisville, Kentucky Dear Ms. Brewster: You are correct, raw milk is not pasteurized. Pasteurization pasteurization (păs'ch  rĭzā`shən, -rīzā`shən), partial sterilization of liquids such as milk, orange juice, wine, and beer, as well as cheese, to destroy raises
the temperature of milk to at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit for not less
than fifteen seconds, followed by rapid cooling. Raw milk enthusiasts
claim that the process kills beneficial microorganisms in the milk.
However, unpasteurized Adj. 1. unpasteurized - not having undergone pasteurizationunpasteurised milk may contain disease-causing organisms, such as salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, listeria, Campylobacter Campylobacter Genus of gram-negative spiral-shaped bacteria infecting mammals. Many species, especially C. fetus, cause miscarriage in sheep and cattle. C. jejuni is a common cause of food poisoning. Sources include meats (particularly chicken) and unpasteurized milk. , and brucella Brucella /Bru·cel·la/ (broo-sel´ah) a genus of schizomycetes (family Brucellaceae). B. abor´tus causes infectious abortion in cattle and is the most common cause of brucellosis in humans. B. . These infections can be particularly serious for pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The dairy industry, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. (CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation ), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. ) recommend that no one drink or eat unpasteurized dairy products. Many states have laws prohibiting the sale of unpasteurized, or "raw," milk. Dear Dr. Cory: I heard that cocoa powder cleans teeth, but I want to know if it is true. If it is true, do I have to eat powder, or can I eat chocolate instead? Will it make me fat? Hannah * Cheyenne, Wyoming [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Hannah: You are right! A Tulane University research student discovered that a special kind of cocoa powder helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It will probably be years before toothpaste with cocoa powder will be for sale--but it is something sweet to look forward to! Meanwhile, keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Gently brush all around each tooth with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to spit afterward and be careful not to swallow any toothpaste. Then rinse well with water. Flu Vaccine Update! The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the intranasal influenza vaccine, FluMist, for children two to five years of age. It was previously approved for children five years of age and older. Made from a weakened form of the live influenza virus, FluMist offers another option for little ones squeamish about shots. Anyone with egg allergies, asthma, or children under the age of five with recurrent wheezing should not be given FluMist. The flu season can extend to May--it is not too late for parents and kids to get immunized. Tooth Tip To keep food from sticking to your teeth, snack on crunchy veggies Veggies of Nottingham, also known as Veggies Catering Campaign, is a campaigning group based in Nottingham, England, promoting ethicalbum alternatives to mainstream fast food. , such as celery, apples, and carrots, or low-fat cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Sincerely, Cory SerVaas, M.D. |
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