Toddlers' asthma meds curb growth
A new study has linked asthma medications taken
during infancy to stunted growth.
Infants given asthma medications during their first 2 years of age are likely to be stunted in later life, according to the findings that highlight the importance of using these medicines in infants appropriately.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) - medications used to treat conditions such as asthma - are frequently used in infants with recurrent wheezing. However, these medications may have harmful effects, for instance a reduced growth rate in development and a shorter height in adulthood.
In this study, researchers from Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland analysed information on the height, weight and asthma medicine intake of 12,482 Finnish children aged 0-24 months. The researchers found that children who used inhaled corticosteroids during the first 2 years of life were too short for their age. This result was more evident in children taking the asthma medicine budesonide for more than 6 months.
Many factors that alter development in children, such as chronic illnesses and long-term use of oral corticosteroids, may cause a shorter than normal height in adulthood. Lead researcher Antti Saari said that their research shows a link between long-term treatment of ICS during infancy and stunted growth at or after the age of 2 in otherwise healthy children.
Saari added that according to the research, they could only assess the impact of inhaled corticosteroids on growth in infancy until 2 to 3 years of age. The longitudinal impact of these medications is not clear and they would therefore like to investigate this further.
The research was presented at the 54th Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting.
Source: www.timesofindia.com
05.10.2015
Are you sleeping correctly?
Along with the number of hours that you sleep, your
sleeping position also determines if you are well-rested or not.
In fact, an incorrect sleeping position can also cause stress on your back leading to backache and problems. Here are ways to improve your sleep.
Choose a sturdy mattress: Opt for a firm mattress instead of going in for a fluffy one that can ruin your back. Usually, mattresses should be changed after seven or eight years. If your mattress feels lumpy or soft, it's time to upgrade it.
Use the right pillow: Always support your neck with a pillow and opt for one which will support your spine. An extremely thick or hard pillow may end up hurting your neck and you might feel sore when you wake up. When sleeping on a pillow, make sure that your chin is parallel to your bed rather than resting on your chest.
Sleep on your side: Be it sleeping on your left or right, side-sleeping posture is recommended by most sleep experts. If you are not comfortable sleeping on the sides, sleep on your back and keep a pillow under your knees, so that they are raised a little.
Never sleep on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can stress your neck and spine. Similarly, some people use their hand to sleep on, that can often sprain your neck. As a result, avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Source: www.timesofindia.com
05.10.2015
Courage is a silent teacher that will prepare us for future
years
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