Among the defense mechanism that the human body, is the cough, something that should not be reduced, because it usually occurs as a result of common diseases such as winter flu, bronchitis and pneumonia, but may be an allergic reaction to dust, smoke or other material, in some people, the immune system recognizes as “foreign” or “dangerous” (allergens), if it is accompanied by phlegm means there obstructive pulmonary disease.

Among the recommendations to reduce the risk of cough due to respiratory disease, was first mentioned that the basic measure of protection is good to leave home to avoid sudden temperature changes, better cover the neck and mouth with a scarf and drink plenty of fluids and avoid going to crowded places , especially if they smoke.

He explained that if two or three days decreased the frequency and severity of coughing, it was probably just a defense mechanism against exposure to cold environment or the presence of dust, smoke or pollen. If not, one must see your doctor, especially when accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: fever, malaise, poor appetite, lethargy, boiling chest, shortness of breath or coughing that “barking or seal” and hoarse or harsh.

Rusman Padoe Dr. said it was important to let a cough developed, provided they do not grow or be accompanied by symptoms such as that mentioned above, because the function of this defense mechanism is to clean the lungs, it is necessary to remove and expel the agent that causes.

In the case of children, said parents should be alert and watching when suffering from cough, the cough is “dry, with or without sputum. There is no need to try to” cut a hole “with self-medication, because it only causes children not to defend what the respiratory tract.

When you cough or sneeze is to cover the mouth with a tissue and never do it with your hands, because they are the primary vehicle for transmission of viruses or bacteria that cause respiratory infections. Parents should teach their children good habits early is cleansing.

Estimated that forty percent of children with cough and not only repair or remove, even with treatment prescribed by doctors, perhaps because of problems due to asthma or allergies, while sixty percent of that associated with respiratory tract infections.

Allergies are relatively common and both genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, leading to a mistaken immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. It reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause any problems. But in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When the system recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals like histamines, which cause itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rash and other symptoms that vary from person to person.

This found that allergic children are easier prey than others to have more viruses and infections, especially of “upper airways, ear, throat, adenoids. It is more frequent, thus suffering from illnesses such as otitis, sinusitis or colds.

A person is born and he is allergic throughout life. Sometimes you are asleep and at some point in the life of the person appears. It’s constitutional and does not heal. This does not mean, however, that this character has to cause allergic problems permanently: it can have symptoms for several years and then disappear with appropriate treatment or spontaneously. The opposite is also possible that a child will grow up without showing allergic symptoms and that these occur when an adult. However, the majority of allergic diseases are manifested in childhood and adolescence.

Allergens
Common allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. They are also very common food allergies and medications. Similarly, allergic reactions can be caused by insect bites, jewelry, cosmetics and other substances.

Heredity
Parents play a key role. If one of the two (or 2) they are allergic, they should be particularly alert. When one parent is allergic, the child has a 40% chance to be. If both are, and the probability is 60%. And if given the circumstances (not very common) that father and mother have the same type of allergy, and that percentage rises to 80%.

That heredity is a major factor is indisputable. However, in our family has not allergic history does not put our children “safe.” The specialists are noting that allergic diseases affect more and more children.

Prevention to reduce symptoms
Especially if we are dealing with a respiratory allergy (hay fever, allergic ritnitis, etc) should develop a series of measures to prevent the establishment of symptomatology.

To avoid these allergies should remove the animals that cause it. To do this we must take into account the following guidelines:

- Wash sheets frequently at a temperature of 60 ° C
- Dry cleaning all fabrics of the house.
- Do not use feather beds. Replace the mattress before 10 years of use.
- Do not use too many rugs or upholstered furniture.

Elder and linden tea also act preventively. Wearing appropriate clothing and regular hand washing is necessary also to protect against colds. As a special way of strengthening the resistance to infection and sauna sessions alternating showers are recommended.

If, despite all the preventive measures of a cold, then the rest, bed rest is recommended for fever. By drinking herbal teas sweetened with honey, such as thyme or sage tea the mucus is loosened and facilitate expectoration. Especially with the existing common cold, make sure that patients eat a light diet of wholesome, and thereby be supplied with all the nutrients the body needs urgently for a recovery.

Against the common cold nasal sprays help, preferably with a salt solution to moisten the airways and to indemnify. Even when inhaled with the aid of salt solutions or essential oils keeps free the airways and makes breathing difficult. Doses of zinc, the immune system strong effect on existing common cold.

Pleasant, warm baths, again with essential bath products are also recommended for colds to relax and improve breathing. It is particularly important that the patients then keep warm. Patients who are already sick with a cold, should they have fever, also wrapped up to go to fresh air. Getting enough sleep and avoiding stress, help with the recovery.

In long-lasting fever, a doctor visit is essential for early detection of complications of a cold and treat.

The injections may sting a little … But the diseases they can prevent can hurt more! Immunizations or vaccinations are essential. Protect against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Vaccines are important both for adults as for children.

The immune system helps your body fight germs by producing chemicals to combat them. Once you do, the immune system “remembers” the germ and can fight him again. Vaccines contain dead or weakened germs. When given a healthy person, the vaccine triggers an immune response to respond, creating immunity.

Before vaccines exist, people could only be truly immune when contracted the disease and survived it. Immunizations are an easier and less risky to be immune.

Vaccines are not just for kids.
Too many adults become ill, become incapacitated and die each year from diseases that could have easily been avoided through vaccination. For this reason, everyone from young adults to the elderly, can enjoy the benefits of vaccines.

Below is a list of diseases preventable through vaccines. Some vaccines are essential to most adults, especially the elderly. Others are appropriate only for some people. Take a few minutes to determine if you run risk of contracting these diseases, and then discuss the vaccination program for adults with your doctor.
Adulthood diseases preventable by vaccines.

1). Diphtheria
2). Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
3). Hepatitis A
4). Hepatitis B
5). Lyme Disease
6). Influenza (flu)
7). Measles **
8). Mumps (Mumps) *
9). Pneumococcus
10). Polio
11). Rubella *
12).Tetanus
13).Varicella **

Diseases particularly serious for adults over 65 years
1). Diphtheria
2). Influenza (flu)
3). Pneumococcus
4). Tetanus

* You do not need the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) if:

1) The result of a blood test shows that you are immune to measles, mumps and rubella.
2) You’re male and born before 1957.
3) You are female, born before 1957 and is confident he will not have children, and was given the rubella vaccine or had positive results on an examination of rubella.
4) Since you have been given two doses of MMR vaccine or one dose of MMR and a second dose of measles vaccine.
5) I have had one dose of MMR vaccine and has a high risk of exposure to measles.

** You do not need the varicella vaccine if you are sure you had the disease.