The simple description of asthma is that it is a condition that affects the bronchioles in the lungs. Every now and again these tiny airways that are the bronchioles constrict in individuals who have asthma, and it is this that causes the typical symptoms of the condition. How much these tiny airways narrow, and the duration of each “attack” varies a great deal.

Asthma is actually caused by an inflammation in the bronchioles but it hasn’t been recognized up to now why this actually happens. It is this inflammation that affects the muscles that surround the bronchioles and causes them to constrict. This constriction then makes it difficult for air to enter and leave the lungs.

Asthma

Asthma can manifest itself at any age, but usually starts during childhood. In western society, an average of one in ten children and one in twenty adults suffer from asthma. Although the condition does run in families, there are still plenty of people who have it while no other members of their family are affected.

The most common types of symptoms suffered are coughing and wheezing accompanied by breathlessness and a tightening of the chest. These symptoms can also vary from mild to severe in different individuals.
Nearly all asthma sufferers are treated with inhalers and these are small devices that deliver tiny doses of drugs directly into the airways, which relieves irritation in turn helping the airways to expand, making it easier to breathe.

Rotavirus infection affects the stomach and intestines in children with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Most cases of the rotavirus infection are mild and usually clear up without medical intervention within a few days but some children, especially toddlers under the age of two, can be at risk of dehydration so it is essential to keep them hydrated with plenty of fluids.

The rotavirus infection is spread by infected people who haven’t washed their hands properly after going to the toilet. This can cause tiny amounts of infected feces being passed on to the child.  Small amounts of these infected feces can also be carried in the air resulting in the child inhaling them. Most children will have contracted the rotavirus infection by the age of five.  The rotavirus infection is more common during the winter and spring and it is usually common for the first virus to be the worst as after that the child will have built up some immunity.  It is for this reason that the rotavirus is rare in adults.

Rotavirus Infection

The rotavirus is extremely contagious in children and can even infect children who have already had the infection due to full immunity not being built up.  It is a good idea to isolate an infected child for a period of at least 48 hours after they have stopped having diarrhea and vomiting.

Symptoms of the rotavirus infection include rapid onset of diarrhea and vomiting and also occasionally a high temperature of 38C or above however it is important to recognize the signs of dehydration as this can occur if not enough fluids are taken.  Signs of dehydration include weakness, rapid breathing, little or no urine, or dry mouth and eyes.

The most important thing to do for a child with the rotavirus infection is to keep them hydrated and the infection will usually pass within a few days.

Influenza can be defined as a viral disease that once contracted can last from between three to five days. Influenza is normally accompanied by aching joints and muscles, cough, headaches and fever, and sufferers normally go through a period of two to three weeks feeling fatigued. The disease can become serious, leading to such conditions as pneumonia, brain and nerve damage and sometimes even death, but occurrences of these serious conditions are rare.

Other symptoms can occur with influenza and these can include chest pain, loss of appetite, restless sleep, chills, indigestion, and vomiting. Individuals that catch influenza should drink as much fluid as they can due to the fever, rest while trying to get lots of sleep, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. A person should contact their doctor should the symptoms still be present after a week, or if they are feeling worse than they were.

Influenza

Influenza is spread from individual to individual through the air, infecting the throat, nose or lungs once contracted. As it can spread very quickly, epidemics often occur with affected areas in the grip of the virus from four to six weeks.

The elderly are particularly at risk from the disease, while individuals with lung or heart disease can develop complications if struck by flu. The people who are most at risk are advised to seek yearly vaccinations.