Redefine yourself

A running nose refers to a condition where fluid is flowing out of the nose continuously. This fluid tends to be quite thin and contains some mucus in it. Fluid is expelled from the nose when there is a buildup of fluid in the nasal cavity. This build up is caused by an infection or irritant being present in the area. When there is an infection or irritant, the body responds by producing a mucus fluid. This fluid is designed to wash away the infection or the irritant. This sort of fluid tends to form in the nose when there is an irritant. It can also form in the eyes, but this fluid will not have any mucus in it.

 A running nose can also be a result of some sort of allergy. If an individual has come into contact with an allergen, then the nose might start running in order to get rid of the allergen from the system. This reaction may be accompanied by some itching on the skin or in the nose. This is a common reaction to a pollen allergy that tends to occur during the season when plants are reproducing. Pollen gets carried into the air and is then blown about until it reaches a suitable plant to produce new fruit and seeds. This airborne dust and pollen can cause a running nose.

 The best relief for a runny nose is to help the body by gently blowing the nose at regular intervals. However, excessive blowing can irritate the outside of the nose and make it tender and sore.

There are some home remedies for running nose in children. Children may be more susceptible to running nose as their immune system is not necessarily as well developed as an adult’s would be. It is also possible that the child is exposed to many more allergens and infections as children tend to be uninhibited when they play in areas where it is possible for infections and dirt to come into contact with the child’s body. A running nose could also be caused by a viral infection that has affected the membranes in the nose.

 The important thing to remember is that a runny nose is different than nasal congestion and should not be treated with a decongestant unless a doctor recommends it.

 Check following home remedies for running nose in children.

1. Garlic Necklace: Among the home remedies for running nose in children, the use of a garlic necklace may be advisable. A garlic necklace can be placed over the child’s neck while he or she is sleeping. During the night, the odor of the garlic will gradually waft into the nose and this helps with cold like symptoms and can reduce inflammations in the nasal cavity.

 2. Medicated Rub: The use of a medicated rub on the chest and nose of the child is also popular among home remedies for running nose in children.

 3. Saline sprays or rinses: Saline sprays or rinses are another option for alleviating the irritation that accompanies a runny nose. Saline nasal sprays are available over the counter and help thin the mucus, making it easier and more comfortable to expel. Saline sprays also help rid the nasal passages of irritants. You can also make your own saline solution by dissolving one-fourth of a teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water. Using a rubber suction bulb, place a few drops in each nostril.

 4. Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier if the air inside your home is dry as dry air also thickens mucus.

 5. Lemon juice: Citric acid present in lemon is a very effective element in curing runny nose. The vitamin C-rich lemon juice improves the body’s immunity and reduces the level of toxic substances in the body. This in a way reduces the period of suffering and further enables recovery. A glass of warm water with two table spoons of lemon juice is one of the most effective cures for runny nose and sneezing. To make the solution more palatable 1 teaspoon of honey can also be added. This solution can be taken one to two times on a day and should be repeated till the symptom of runny nose persists. Also this helps in curing the running nose fast.

6. Recipes with Garlic: Garlic is the most commonly available and safe medicinal herb. The medicinal properties of garlic have been used to cure runny nose at home. It has some great scientifically proven medicinal, antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-bacterial properties. A garlic soup preparation which is taken once or twice in a day is a runny nose treatment which has been tried and tested several times.

The preparation of the soup is very simple. In a pan, take one cup of water, boil the water slightly and then add around three to four cloves of finely chopped garlic along with a teaspoon of onion juice and a pinch of salt. This on consumption for at least twice in a day clears up the respiratory passage and washes the toxins away. Thus bringing down the body temperature and curing runny nose naturally.  This has been very useful to cure running nose naturally.

7. Remedy using Ginger: Ginger is a tuber with vast medicinal virtues and can be used as a runny nose remedy.  Finely cut ginger added in the morning tea can be an effective way to cure cold and fever. Clear chicken soup with about ten grams of chopped ginger can be runny nose treatment for kids.

Another way of preparing decoction using ginger is adding some ginger and a teaspoon of sugar to boiling water and then having that two to three times a day. A point to note here is that the mixture should be had when hot.

Following are few tips that can help in restricting running nose symptoms:

• Boil water. Add some vaporizer or carom seeds in it. Carefully make your child breathe over a container of boiling water to clear her nasal passage and separate the mucus. Take care to keep safe distance and protect her hands and legs from getting burnt.
• Limit the consumption of dairy products as they are more mucus forming. But don’t completely eliminate it from the diet. Consumption of fluids should be increased in the form of boiled water, vegetable soups or broths.
• Always have these hot and keep the temperature of the preparations you make high, as this is the key to fighting off a cold and a runny nose. Avoid any kind of cold liquid intake. Avoid spicy, oily or fried, carbonated beverages and sodas as far as possible.
• Passive smoke inhalation will worsen the infection, so avoid smoking around him as far as possible.

If your child’s runny nose lasts more than two weeks, there’s a good chance it’s caused by an allergic condition. An obvious clue is if he constantly rubs the tip of his nose with his palm in an upward fashion- what some doctors refer to as the allergic salute. Other signs include intense sneezing, burning, itchy and watery eyes, and bluish circles under the eyes (known as allergic shiners).

Another possible cause of runny nose in children under two is an allergy to a food such as cow’s milk. Five percent of all babies have cow’s milk sensitivity, which can cause nasal allergy, asthma, colic, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes. When milk is removed from their diets and a formula with low allergy potential is substituted, often the runny nose and other symptoms vanish. But this change in diet should only be made with a doctor’s recommendation.

 Medical Alert –

If you have an infant, you should contact your doctor if your baby’s runny nose is accompanied by a fever, or if it prevents him from eating or drinking

For an older child, check with the doctor if his runny nose is accompanied by coughing or a fever of 103° or more. If the nasal discharge persists beyond two weeks, or the mucus is yellowish or has a strong odor, you’ll also need to check with a physician. Color, odor to the cough can all indicate an infection that should be treated with antibiotics.

Top Tips and Tricks for Buying Children’s Eyewear

 The chances are good that if you and/or your partner wear glasses, your child will need some form of visual help too. Fortunately, long gone are the days of ugly, miniature models of mom and pop glasses for children to wear. Today, children can select from a large variety of eyewear; whether they want their glasses colorful, flashy, subtle or outrageous, you are likely to find just about anything anywhere you look.

Make certain that your child feels a part of the frame selection process. Nothing is more important in terms of getting children to wear their glasses and take better care of them as well.

When buying eyeglasses for your children, you want to investigate fun and hip designs but also popular trends for children. What is cool and interesting for adults after all, isn’t necessarily what is cool and interesting for children.

Without the constraints of adulthood, such as a conservative office environment, kids have a lot more freedom in the style, color, and shape of the glasses they can wear. Take advantage of it!

While kids might want a specific frame color or brand, parents should be concerned about the durability and safety of the lenses and the frame. Your eye care professional is your best source of information on what’s available: durable spring hinges, flexible and strong new frame materials, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, and UV-blocking photo chromic lenses that automatically change from light to dark when UV is present.

Many children prefer frames molded after popular cartoon characters. They may prefer plastic to metal frames. It is important you keep in mind your child’s personality as well as what is practical and useful when buying eyeglasses for your children.

Choosing glasses: durability and safety concerns

Do you need to go to a pediatric optometrist? Probably not; most optometrists and other eye care professionals carry a wide selection of eye wear, even for children. But you might want to call ahead to find out what types of eye wear they offer, especially if you or your child have something specific in mind.

But how to choose a child’s eye wear? It’s important that their glasses do several things: they have to fit well, give clear vision, and be safe for even the roughest children. Also, since children are not as careful with their glasses as adults would be, it is important that you choose their frames and lenses with durability in mind. Some of the best choices for eye glass materials for children include:

• Polycarbonate plastics for frames and lenses. Extremely durable and frames can be virtually any color or shape, so you’re sure to find something to please even the most reluctant child.
• Polycarbonate lenses must be given a scratch-resistant coating.
• Metals, especially titanium. Titanium is one of the toughest metals and can be made into a fairly lightweight frame.
• Sports frames. If your child is active in sports, or maybe just a bit more accident prone than the average kid, it may be wise to consider using sports frames even for everyday use.

Keep in mind that even the most durable materials can still break. Your child should be taught that his or her glasses are very important and shown how to handle them correctly. If your child is particularly careless or forgetful, and simple reminders are ineffective, consider more creative tactics. For example, a really cool glasses case might inspire your child to put their glasses away properly for the night.

Color and style

Whenever possible, you should involve your child in the process of choosing their glasses. Any child will be much more likely to actually wear their glasses if they like them and find them comfortable. Some children may prefer frames in their favorite color or with a popular cartoon character, while others will want more grown-up style frames, perhaps ones that look like mom’s or dad’s. You may be surprised by what your child chooses. At some frame stores, you may even find buy-one, get-one-free sales which can make the frames into more of a fun fashion accessory than a medical necessity.

It’s important to be patient while you’re shopping for glasses. An adult might take an hour or longer to choose their glasses, however they might expect a child to make the same choice in a few minutes of time. Choose a day when you have time to spare; don’t sandwich the trip between ten other errands. Encourage your child to try on different frames so they can discover their own unique style.

Getting glasses on a reluctant child

Even with the cutest frames and the best lenses, there might still be some reluctance to wear the glasses. Some kids would rather deal with fuzzy vision and fail classes than be seen wearing glasses, especially if they are being teased by their classmates (or fear they will be). If this is the case with your child, try pointing out that many of their favorite sports stars, actors and musicians wear glasses. In addition, if your child is hoping to get contact lenses, remind them that they will first have to show you that they can handle the responsibility by wearing and caring for their glasses correctly.

Do I Need A Warranty?

Children’s glasses are bound to get scratched, dropped, stepped on and lost. Because of this you should consider buying a warranty. When looking for a warranty, consider one that will replace scratched lenses, lost glasses or more. However, if the cost of the warranty is more than buying new glasses, you might forgo it altogether.

Some parents simply opt for a “back up” pair of glasses instead of a warranty. This is a good idea if your child’s prescription is very strong and they have a hard time seeing without their glasses. In this case, doing without their glasses for a day or two may not be a reasonable alternative, so it is best you have a back up pair in the event your child loses or breaks their glasses beyond repair.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6.

Different types of eye tests are carried out as per age of the child and as per their eye developmental state.

Eye Testing for Infants

Babies should be able to see as well as adults in terms of focusing ability, color vision and depth perception by 6 months of age. To assess whether your baby’s eyes are developing normally, the doctor typically will use the following tests:

• Tests of pupil responses evaluate whether the eye’s pupil opens and closes properly in the presence or absence of light.
• “Fixate and follow” testing determines whether your baby’s eyes are able to fixate on and follow an object such as a light as it moves. Infants should be able to fixate on an object soon after birth and follow an object by the time they are 3 months old.
• Preferential looking involves using cards that are blank on one side with stripes on the other side to attract the gaze of an infant to the stripes. In this way, vision capabilities can be assessed without the use of a typical eye chart.

Eye Testing for Preschool Children

Some parents are surprised to learn that preschool-age children do not need to know their letters in order to undergo certain eye tests, even when they are too young or too shy to verbalize. Some common eye tests used specifically for young children include:

• LEA Symbols for young children are similar to regular eye tests using charts with letters, except that special symbols in these tests include an apple, house, square and circle.
• Retinoscopy is a test that involves shining a light into the eye to observe the reflection from the back of the eye (retina). This test helps eye doctors determine your child’s eyeglass prescription.
• Random Dot Stereopsis testing uses special patterns of dots and 3-D glasses to measure how well your child’s eyes work together as a team.

Vision Screening and Your Child’s Performance in School

Remember that appropriate vision testing at an early age is vital to insure your child has the visual skills he or she needs to perform well in school.

A child who is unable to see print or view a blackboard can become easily frustrated, leading to poor academic performance. Some vision problems, such as lazy eye, are best treated if they are detected and corrected as early as possible while the child’s vision system is still developing.

These days I was really worried about my child’s eyes. He has started moving forward and stand too close to TV while watching TV. That was really alarming sign for me to schedule an appointment with an eye specialist.

As a parent, you may wonder whether your preschooler has a vision problem or when you should schedule your child’s first eye exam.

Eye exams for children are extremely important, because 5 to 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems. Early identification of a child’s vision problem can be crucial because children often are more responsive to treatment when problems are diagnosed early.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6.

For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or as recommended by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will suggest the frequency of eye exam as per the situation demands. For my son his ophthalmologist has suggested a visit after 3 months and then after each 6 months.

Early eye exams also are important because children need the following basic skills related to good eyesight for learning:

• Near vision
• Distance vision
• Binocular (two eyes) coordination
• Eye movement skills
• Focusing skills
• Peripheral awareness
• Hand-eye coordination

Early eye examinations are crucial to make sure children have normal, healthy vision so they can perform better at schoolwork or play.

When scheduling an eye exam for your child, be sure to choose a time when he or she usually is alert and happy. Specifics of how eye exams are conducted depend on your child’s age, but generally the exams will include a case history, vision testing, determination of whether eyeglasses are needed, testing of eye alignment, an eye health evaluation and, if needed, prescription of eye wear.

After you have made the appointment, you may be sent a case history form by mail, or you may be given one when you check in at the doctor’s office. The case history form will ask about your child’s birth history (also called perinatal history), including birth weight and whether or not the child was full-term.

Your eye doctor also may ask whether complications occurred during the pregnancy or delivery. Other questions will concern your child’s medical history, including current medications and past or present allergies.

Be sure to tell your eye doctor if your child has or displays any of the following:

• A history of prematurity
• Delayed motor development
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Excessive blinking
• Failure to maintain eye contact
• Inability to maintain a gaze (fixation) while looking at objects
• Poor eye tracking skills

Also, be sure to mention if your child has failed a vision screening at school or during a visit to his or her pediatrician.

Your eye doctor also will want to know about previous eye problems and treatments your child has had, such as surgeries and glasses or contact lens wear. Be sure you inform your eye doctor about any family history of eye problems requiring vision correction, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness (refractive errors), lazy eye (strabismus/amblyopia) or eye diseases.

It is important as a parent you recognize some early warning signs of vision problems in children. Young children often cannot verbalize what is going on with their eyesight. Here are some warning signs your child may have a vision problem:

1. Frequent straining to see things
2. Poor eye/hand coordination
3. Excessive blinking or Frequent eye rubbing
4. Lazy eye
5. Problems in school
6. Difficulty keeping eye contact
7. Squinting, tilting or turning the head or closing one eye when looking at things
8. Tearing
9. Frequent headaches
10. Holding books close to the face when reading or sitting close to the TV
11. Avoiding close work (sometimes by claiming they dislike it)
12. Losing place when reading or using a finger as a guide
13. Difficulty seeing distant objects, like a blackboard

Any or all of these signs may help alert you to possible vision problems early on. You can then work with your healthcare provider to help your child find a suitable pair of lenses.

In addition to nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, common vision problems of schoolchildren include:

Your child’s eyes should be examined early for vision problems such as “lazy eye” (amblyopia), in which one eye usually is weaker than the other. With amblyopia, eye patching often is used to help strengthen the weaker eye.

• Lazy eye (amblyopia): Your eye doctor will want to rule out amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” which is decreased vision in one or both eyes without detectable anatomic damage. Unfortunately, amblyopia is not always correctable with eyeglasses or contact lenses and may require eye patching to strengthen the weaker eye.
• Misalignment of eyes (strabismus): Crossed or misaligned eyes (strabismus) can have different causes, such as problems with muscle control in the affected eye or eyes. Strabismus is a common cause of amblyopia and should be treated early in childhood so vision and eye teaming skills can develop normally.
• Inability to maintain eye alignment when viewing near objects (convergence insufficiency): Eye doctors will assess the ability of eyes to pull inward (convergence) and maintain proper alignment for comfortable reading.
• Focusing ability, depth perception and color vision: The eye doctor also may test your child’s focusing (accommodation) ability. Depth perception or ability to gauge distances between objects also may be examined, and color blind tests may be used to assess your child’s color vision. [Read more about color vision and how the eye refracts light.]

• Anterior eye and eyelid health: Your eye doctor will closely examine your child’s eyelids to look for abnormal or infected eyelash follicles, bumps (papillae), discharge and swelling (edema). The doctor also will examine the cornea, iris, and lens to look for cloudiness (opacities) or other irregularities.
• “Cloudy” eyes
  If the surface of the eye, which is normally clear, instead appears cloudy, there may be a cataract or other problem.

• Ptosis
  This condition involves a drooping upper eyelid that covers the eye either somewhat or entirely, and so blocks vision.
• Learning disabilities and vision
  Learning disabilities include disorders in understanding or using spoken or written language or symbols.

These disabilities result from the brain’s misinterpretation of images received and relayed by the eyes, rather than from structural or functional eye problems. That’s why learning disabilities are not treatable by eye exercises or vision therapy. Children with learning disabilities do not have more visual problems than those who do not have learning disabilities.

The child may experience problems with reading (dyslexia), writing, listening, speaking, concentration, or mathematical calculations.

The evaluation for a learning disability should include a complete eye examination by an Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist). Treatment for learning disabilities is best provided through an educational approach, using tutors and resource teachers. Whether or not learning disabilities are suspected, all students need vision screening to check for visual acuity and general eye health.