Kid's First Pediatrics

5Oct2019

Vaping Concerns with Teenagers

Teen smoking and nicotine usage have long been a concern throughout local schools, but today, vaping is beginning to take over the news. Although many see vaping as being a healthier alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, research is starting to show that this may not be the case and that vaping has become particularly dangerous for teenagers.

The Rising Trend of Vaping

Vaping can create a certain type of chemical-related lung disease, which is popping up all over the country. In addition, electronic cigarettes, which are used for vaping, still contain regular nicotine, which raises cancer and cardiovascular disease risks. What your teenager may not know is that electronic cigarettes also contain other dangerous additives, such as flavorings, glycerol, and propylene glycol. Not much is yet known about how these substances could affect the body, but up-and-coming research points to the possibility of a myriad of problems.

Although legislators are beginning to see that they need to do something to curb electronic cigarettes and vaping, it is still quite easy for teenagers to get their hands on these dangerous chemicals, including at school where friends may pass supplies to others in their group. Because teenagers do not think that it is as bad for their health as cigarettes are, they may take up this habit without realizing the short-term and long-term effects. Vaping can be particularly habit-forming because of the huge array of flavors. Over time, many teenagers move on to regular cigarettes because their perceptions of smoking change.

Openly Communicate with Teenagers

The best way for you to deal with a teenager who you believe uses electronic cigarettes is to focus on open communication and a trusting relationship. Your teenager needs to know that he can talk to you honestly without fear of negative consequences. Assure your teenager that you are there to help him find the help he needs. In addition, be sure that your teenager has a great relationship with a trusted pediatrician who can provide that safe space and a high level of knowledge that is needed in these types of situations.

If you are looking for a new pediatrician in Apple Valley, California, or have recently moved to the area, consider choosing Kids 1st Pediatrics. Here you will find a calm, soothing environment and a friendly ear. We see children of all ages, including teenagers. Call us today to set up an appointment for your teenager.

Pediatrics

AddictionApple ValleycigaretteDiseaseHealthHigh DesertKid's 1st PediatricsNicotinePediatricssmokingTeenagersVapingVictorville

14Sep2019

All about Lupus

Although it is not an incredibly common disease, lupus can strike children at elementary age or in their teenage years, making it something of which parents should be aware of. With the correct treatment from a trusted pediatrician, lupus can be well-controlled, but it requires great vigilance on the part of both parents and health care providers.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which means that the body attacks itself. Although the symptoms of lupus may come and go in a series of flare-ups and remissions, the disease is not contagious, and children can still attend school and participate in as many other activities as are possible even while dealing with lupus.

The cause of lupus is not currently known, but it could be genetic in nature or could be related to a variety of environmental stressors or pollutants. Exact symptoms depend on the individual child and may often mimic the symptoms of a different disease. Therefore, it requires a skilled pediatrician, possibly working with a rheumatologist, to diagnose lupus. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

-Fatigue
-Poor appetite and weight loss
-Swollen joints
-Aches and pains
-Fever
-Butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks
-Mouth ulcers
-Headaches
-Hair loss

How Prevalent Is Lupus in Pediatric Populations?

Approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus, and, of these people, approximately 20 percent of them developed the disease before they were 20. Lupus is rarely diagnosed before the age of 5. In addition, 90 percent of lupus patients are females.

How Can Pediatric Lupus Be Treated?

It can be challenging to get a lupus diagnosis because of the non-specific symptoms. However, once a lupus diagnosis is in place, it is important that the child receives treatment immediately to reduce overall damage to the body’s organs. Medications are typically the first line of defense and are specifically chosen to reduce inflammation in the body, to suppress the immune system and to control pain. Your pediatrician may also be able to recommend at-home lifestyle changes, such as exercises and dietary plans, that could help.

Will Lupus Continue into Adulthood?

As a chronic disease, children diagnosed with lupus will still have the disease in adulthood. However, it should be fairly well-controlled by this point, and individuals should be used to managing symptoms and medications. Many patients are able to enjoy healthy and happy futures by seeking quick and complete treatments.