Pediatrician in Hicksville

Recent Blog Posts – From Local Pediatrician in Hicksville

Tamiflu Treatment From Pediatrician in Hicksville

Also known as oseltamivir, Tamiflu is administered by doctors in order to prevent patients from contracting influenza (the flu virus). Generally, it’s intention is to actively reduce the symptoms of the flu, such as the following:

• Stuffy Nose.
• Frequent Coughing.
• Sore/Irritated Throat.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Achiness & Fatigue.

Warning signs may also develop as a result of being stricken with the flu. These can include mood changes such as confusion, agitation, or self-injury (in rare cases).

Overall, receiving Tamiflu traditionally reduces these symptoms and pushes the recovery time forward by about 1-2 days. Prevention is also vital when it comes to combating influenza, as the condition typically spreads rapidly within communities, school districts, and office environments. If you live on Long Island and are concerned about the spread of the flu virus, contact your local Pediatrician in Hicksville at Pediatric Associates of Plainview for further assistance and details.  

What are the side-effects of Tamiflu?

Typical side-effects that may develop as a result of being given Tamiflu could include nausea and vomiting. Should these symptoms persist, contact your pediatrician in Hicksville immediately for assistance. In most cases, your doctor may suggest administering Tamiflu if they believe that your side-effects are less dangerous then potentially carrying on with the flu. Usually, side-effects are a rarity when it comes to Tamiflu, but talk with your pediatrician in Hicksville if you have any concerns. Potentially, patients could also develop an allergic reaction as a result of being administered Tamiflu. This is an incredibly rare circumstance but contact your doctor immediately if you’ve developed a rash or severe itchiness.

Other common side-effects of Tamiflu may include stomach pains and diarrhea, along with dizziness and chronic headaches. For more serious side-effects (typically in children): please monitor the following:

• Strange Behavior.
• Confusion, perhaps leading to Hallucination.
• Seizures.

If you’re at risk of contracting the flu and have been proposed the possibility of receiving Tamiflu, we encourage you to keep these side-effects in mind. Remember, Tamiflu is different from receiving an ordinary flu vaccine (flu shot). Tamiflu DOES NOT serve as a substitution for your yearly flu vaccination. If you’re confused about this process or have concerns, please contact our office and speak with our pediatrician in Hicksville for assistance. Pediatric Associates of Plainview has been serving the local Long Island community for nearly 20 years. We’re happy to provide assistance for all patients who walk through our door, please reach out to us today.

Childhood Asthma – Help From Pediatrician in Hicksville

When the lungs and airways become swollen after exposure to certain stimulates, this is known as asthma. Approximately 7 million children are affected by asthma in the United States, experiencing symptoms by the age of five. Asthma is considered to be the main cause of chronic illness in children and can seem to prevent them from going about their usual activities. If your child is experiencing symptoms of asthma, contact a pediatrician in Hicksville with Pediatric Associates of Plainview!

What causes asthma in children?

Although the causes of asthma are not completely understood, researchers are still exploring the exact causes of its development. These factors are considered to play an important role in the cause of asthma:

• Genetics – it is common that asthma runs in the family. If you or your partner have asthma, your child has a higher chance of having it too!
• Respiratory infections – During infancy and early childhood, your child’s lungs are still in the process of developing. If your child had a respiratory infection at a young age, this may have caused damage to the lung tissue, which would lead to long-term effects. 
• Exposure to environmental stimulates – Viral infections, allergens, dust, irritants, whatever the case may be, this can be having an impact on your child’s asthma, especially when your child is exposed before their immune system is fully matured. 
• Allergies – Allergies, like asthma, can be genetic and some allergies may cause symptoms of asthma to occur. 

Your pediatrician in Hicksville can help you narrow down which factor is the root cause of your child’s asthma. 

What are the symptoms of childhood asthma?

Not every child experiences the same symptoms of asthma and the same child can experience different symptoms in each episode they have. The most common symptoms are:

• Coughing spells during the night, while laughing, or while crying
• Shortness or loss of breath
• Exhaustion
• A decrease in energy levels during playtime
• Rapid breathing
• Expressing the feeling of chest tightness or hurting
• Wheezing

When diagnosing your child for asthma, your pediatrician in Hicksville may ask questions regarding your child’s medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam and tests, such as x-rays or spirometry. 

How is childhood asthma treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. However, there are ways a pediatrician in Hicksville can help minimize the severity of the episodes:

• Long-term medications– these can be taken daily, which reduces your child’s airway inflammation. 
• Quick-relief medications– these are specifically for a quick-relief during an asthma attack or prior to exercising. They can instantly open up swollen airways. 
• Allergy medications– If the asthma is caused by allergies, your child may benefit from this, whether taken orally or nasally.
• Allergy shots– Although getting a shot can be a child’s worst nightmare, these can reduce your child’s immune system reaction to allergens. 

There are many ways to treat your child’s asthma, all of which depend on the severity of the symptoms. Your pediatrician in Hicksville will help administer the correct treatment that is specific to your child’s asthma. If you believe your child is suffering from asthma, contact Pediatric Associates of Plainview! Our pediatricians in Hicksville are dedicated to helping your child find the treatment they need!