160 lines
7.5 KiB
XML
160 lines
7.5 KiB
XML
import Article from "@/components/Article";
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const ArticlePediatricRespiratoryHealth = () => {
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return (
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<Article
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title="Respiratory Health"
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author="Richard A. Feely, D.O., FAAO, FCA, FAAMA"
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>
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<p>
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Viruses capable of causing a cold are present in our everyday
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environments. The cold that may result from contact with a virus
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presents an opportunity for the developing immune system of an infant or
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young child to gain strength. In this way, the common cold should not be
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viewed as an enemy, but rather as a training ground for the maturation
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of our immune system.
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</p>
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<p>
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It is the complications of the common cold-pneumonia-which are the
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enemy. And, it is in the prevention of these complications where
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osteopathic manipulative treatment can be of profound benefit.
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Osteopathic manipulation strives to improve body function through
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correcting body structure. In relation to respiratory health, the proper
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function of several body systems is vital.
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</p>
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<p>
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The common cold taxes the lymphatic drainage in the neck and thorax
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causing enlargement of the lymph glands and congestion in the muscles.
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The lymphatic system can no longer adequately carry away the excess
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tissue fluids associated with the infection.
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</p>
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<p>
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Muscle spasm and asymmetry can also cause displacement of the spinal
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segments of the neck or upper back. This further impairs drainage and
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causes trouble to the delicate balance of the nerve responsible for the
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thickness of respiratory secretions. Osteopathic manipulative treatment
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will address these underlying structural disturbances and allow the
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lymphatic and circulatory systems to enhance the immune system function
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of the body. The cold can therefore resolve without the complications
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which make parents dread the onset of this common respiratory illness.
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Children who have the benefit of osteopathic treatment suffer fewer
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respiratory illnesses and recover from them with less likelihood of
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complications.
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</p>
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<h2>Allergies & Asthma</h2>
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<p>
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Some children suffer from respiratory allergies and some from asthma,
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but for many children these two are an almost inseparable combination.
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The respiratory tract is the most frequent site for allergic symptoms in
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children.
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</p>
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<p>
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If a child suffers seasonally from watery nose, itchy eyes and sneezing,
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the cause is usually pollens. If symptoms are year round, dust, mold,
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spores, animal dander or certain foods are more likely culprits.
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</p>
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<p>
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Asthma is characterized by swelling and increased secretions of the
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bronchial mucous membranes and by spasm of the muscles of the bronchial
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tubes. The wheezing and difficulty breathing may be precipitated by
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allergens or irritants such as smoke. For some children, a common cold
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sets off an asthmatic attack; for others, exercise, an emotional upset
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or (due to a complex body reaction) a bad fall on the tailbone. With
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such a variety of possible causes, what is the role of osteopathic
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manipulation?
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</p>
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<p>
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While medications available to treat allergies and asthma generally work
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by suppressing symptoms, osteopathic manipulation addresses underlying
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disturbances in the body’s structural components. Manipulation to ensure
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free motion in the rib cage and diaphragm will enhance immune system
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function by optimizing lymphatic drainage and circulation. The cleaning
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functions of the venous and lymphatic systems are vital to the removal
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of the toxic by-products of infection. Improvement in circulation
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enhances the ability of the arteries to supply nutrients, antibodies,
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white blood cells and oxygen to all tissues.
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</p>
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<p>
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Osteopathic manipulative procedures can stimulate the body to release
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greater quantities of the substances that cause the dilation of the
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bronchioles. This reduces the need for medications aimed at producing
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the same result. The benefits of osteopathic treatment vary from one
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child to another. One might have fewer respiratory infections and
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therefore fewer asthmatic attacks, while another might require less
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medication or have fewer hospitalizations. Most children experience
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improvement in some aspect of their allergies or asthma therapy,
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improving the quality of life for both child and family.
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</p>
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<h2>Parents Can Help</h2>
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<p>
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When children are young, parents are responsible for attending to their
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health concerns. Many of the factors that promote good general health
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are equally important in respiratory health, a nutritious diet, adequate
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rest and warmth and seeking medical attention at appropriate times.
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Parents can also learn osteopathic techniques to promote better
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lymphatic drainage through a respiratory illness.
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</p>
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<p>
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Good nutrition is vital to good respiratory health. A wide variety of
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fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as a good supply of
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Vitamins A, B and C, are essential. Adequate clear fluids, in the form
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of water, juice or teas will make respiratory secretions thinner and
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easier for the body to carry away. Avoid foods to which a given child is
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allergic and withdraw dairy products when mucous is present.
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</p>
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<p>
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When respiratory allergies or asthma are a problem, parents should do
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whatever is possible to minimize exposure to the offending agents. You
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may need to find new homes for pets, vacuum with a sealed system, or
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wrap mattresses for dust protection.
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</p>
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<p>
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The common cold and its complications are less frequent problems if care
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is taken to avoid chilling. Lower temperatures cause constriction of the
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small blood vessels supplying the mucous membranes of the respiratory
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tree. This lowers resistance to infection and harms the ability of the
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inflamed membrane to heal itself. Chilling also causes neck muscles to
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tighten, yielding a disturbance in the nerve supply. The resultant
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dryness of the mucous membrane is yet one more factor in lowering
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resistance. So keep your children warm both to prevent respiratory
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illness and to help them heal from it.
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</p>
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<h2>Fever</h2>
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<p>
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If fever is associated with an upper respiratory infection, it is
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usually low grade and more helpful than harmful. The viruses responsible
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for cold symptoms are weak organisms which a low grade fever helps to
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kill. The healthy cells of our own bodies are much stronger and are not
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damaged by a low grade fever. To lower a fever by medication or tepid
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bathing results in chilling and weakens body resistance.
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</p>
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<p>
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It is important to increase fluid intake, either by more frequent
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nursing or bottles or cups containing clear liquids. Dehydration can be
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a problem if the fever persists and fluid intake is not adequate. High
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fevers suggest a more serious illness and should be evaluated by a
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qualified medical practitioner.
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</p>
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</Article>
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);
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};
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export default ArticlePediatricRespiratoryHealth;
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