Valley Fever Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children

Valley fever, also known as coccidiomycosis, is a common fungal infection prevalent in the southwestern United States. The infection typically affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, posing significant health risks, especially for children. Valley fever is contracted by inhaling spores from the soil where the fungus lives. Although this infection can affect anyone, children are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems.

Valley Fever Symptoms

Identifying Valley fever in children can be challenging since the symptoms are often similar to those of many other respiratory illnesses. Common symptoms include persistent or recurring fever, a dry cough that doesn’t seem to improve with time, and fatigue. A child may also have chest pain, a rash with raised, red bumps on the legs and upper body, joint pain, or headaches.

Early symptoms of valley fever often appear one to three weeks after exposure to the fungal spores. Some kids may experience milder symptoms that resolve on their own, and some may develop more severe symptoms. Parents should know what to look for and seek medical attention if these symptoms persist, especially if there is known exposure to environments where these spores can be found.

What to expect at the doctor

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of Valley fever. If doctors suspect this illness, they will likely order several tests, including a blood test, chest X-ray, and sputum cultures. A blood test will identify antibodies to the infection. Chest X-rays assess for any lung abnormalities caused by the fungus. A sputum culture is done to try to identify fungal spores in the respiratory secretions.

Valley Fever Treatment

Treatment options for Valley fever depend on the severity of infection. Most cases are mild and will resolve without medical treatment. Rest, hydration, and supportive care may be recommended for managing these mild cases. Moderate to severe cases may require antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or itraconazole. These medications help control the infection and help control its spread to other parts of the body.

Preventing Valley Fever exposure

The best way to reduce the chance of having Valley fever is to prevent exposure to the fungus. Avoid activities that disturb the soil in areas where the fungus is more common. This is especially important during dry, windy conditions. Consider wearing a mask and protective clothing when partaking in outdoor activities in high-risk areas. Stay informed of the symptoms and seek medical attention if Valley fever is suspected.

Valley fever can be a serious but manageable illness. Awareness and prompt medical attention are key to ensuring the health and well-being of children in affected regions of the United States. Recognizing the symptoms of Valley Fever and understanding the treatment options is crucial in reducing the impact this infection can have on children’s health.

The post Valley Fever Symptoms and Treatment Options for Children appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name of alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is a term that covers any treatment approach that is not conventional. Although there are many forms of alternative medicine, most are based on the premise that health care should be rooted in natural substances and practices rather than chemical medicines.

Alternative medicine includes acupuncture.

Alternative practitioners often claim that they have better outcomes for patients, with fewer side effects and lower costs. These claims cannot be proven scientifically because the mainstream medical system has largely ignored evidence-based alternatives to medicine.

What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?

These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine derives its name from the Greek homoios which means similarity and pathos which denotes disease. Homeopaths believe all diseases are caused by natural causes, but not always symptoms. Homeopaths treat patients by prescribing small amounts of substances that produce similar symptoms to the ones experienced when the patient is sick.

Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.

Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can alter mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is used most often in aromatherapy.

What is the difference between alternative medicine and complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.

Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don't recommend them because there isn't enough evidence or safety concern.

There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.

Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.

A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may be able to relieve pain. Similarly, preliminary data show that it may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Experts agree that CAM can help with many ailments, even though we still have a lot to learn about its effectiveness.

As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.

Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.

What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?

People who feel they do not receive enough help from allopathic medicine may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.

Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. These CAM therapies can also increase your overall well-being and decrease fatigue. Some CAM therapies address specific conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.

There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:

A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Combination of Eastern philosophy with Western science
The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
The healing touch
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Some have side effects, which should be balanced against their perceived benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.

Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?

Holistic medicine is based on the premise that all diseases are caused by a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, environment, stress, emotional state, genetics, and other health-related problems.

These variables should be considered when prescribing medication to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.

Many doctors have become certified in complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.

Is holistic medical legitimate?

The answer is yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. Because they can't cure every condition. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual's health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.

Some people believe holistic medicine dates back to ancient times. This is simply not true. Although there were some natural remedies used by healers in ancient Egypt or Rome, these practitioners did not have scientific knowledge.

The Middle Ages was the first time that medical professionals began to study anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. By the 19th century, most Western countries had developed public hospitals where trained doctors could provide medical care.

Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.

People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies' performance.

Statistics

According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body Medicine includes Tai Chi, Reiki (tai chi), yoga, massage therapy, homeopathy and aromatherapy. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative treatments include physical manipulations, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathic treatment. Techniques such as prayer or visualization can be used to bring about energy healing.

CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices vary widely regarding how much scientific evidence supports them, whether they involve drugs or surgery, and which conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

In addition to these four primary categories, there are many subcategories within each category. There are many subcategories within mind-body medicines, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness training. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement, traction and electrotherapies are all forms of manipulative therapy. They include cupping, stretching and myofascial release. Trigger point therapy, orthotics, neurostimulation, trigger point therapy, manuals, trigger points, trigger point therapy, orthopedics. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM treatments help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. When used appropriately, CAM could complement traditional treatment options.

There are many good reasons to use CAM.

To improve their overall well being.
To manage a certain condition.
To relieve pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people use CAM to have more control over their own health than traditional medicine. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM may be seen as a negative thing in society, most people who use it report positive feelings. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don't. This is true regardless age, gender and race.

The majority of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients' needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

CAM continues growing in popularity despite these findings. In 2008, the number of CAM practitioners increased by 8 percent compared to 2007.

A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.

CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM therapies are rooted in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. They have been around for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

TCM was only in the mid-1800s that Western science gained prominence. However, it is still an important part of modern health care.

TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.

Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Around 5000 B.C., yoga was born in India. Yoga is now an accepted global practice.

Yoga has gained popularity due to its physical, mental, as well as spiritual benefits.

Yoga can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase strength and help with blood pressure.

Although limited scientific research has been done, yoga may have beneficial effects on sleep33.

Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.

One of the most common types of CAM used today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.

This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.

–

——————————————————————————————————————————————

This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.

If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.