| Celiac disease: Tips to maintain the gluten-free diet | Celiac disease: Tips to maintain the gluten-free diet | Celiac disease: Tips to maintain the gluten-free diet | C | English | Gastrointestinal | Baby (1-12 months);Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Small Intestine | Small intestine | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2017-02-06T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 8.90000000000000 | 57.0000000000000 | 1725.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Children with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet. This article contains tips to help your child maintain their special diet.</p> | <h2>What is celiac disease?</h2><p><a href="/Article?contentid=816&language=English">Celiac disease</a> is an autoimmune condition in which contact with gluten (a family of food proteins) triggers a reaction by the body’s defense (immune) system. The immune response to gluten—no matter where in the body the contact happened—damages the lining of the gut (small intestine) making it difficult to absorb nutrients.</p><p>Common symptoms of celiac disease include
<a href="/article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a>,
<a href="/article?contentid=6&language=English">constipation</a>,
<a href="/article?contentid=29&language=English">headaches</a>, tiredness and <a href="/article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a>. Some people experience no symptoms at all.<br></p><p>Celiac disease is a life-long condition. There is no medication for celiac disease. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. The gluten-free diet will help heal the gut, improve symptoms that may have been present, and keep your child healthy.<br></p> | <figure class="asset-small"><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/gluten_free_symbol_EN.jpg" alt="" /> </figure>
<h2>What is the gluten-free diet?</h2><p>A strict
<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=956&language=English">gluten-free diet</a> means no trace amounts of gluten. Gluten is naturally found in all forms of:</p><ul><li>wheat</li><li>rye</li><li>barley</li><li>triticale (rye and barley mix).</li></ul><p>Wheat-based products, such as breads, pasta and baked goods, are obvious sources of gluten. However, there are also many foods where gluten is hidden, such as soups, salad dressings and ice creams. </p><p>Always read the labels of all foods and non-food items (such as medications) to find out if they contain any sources of gluten.</p> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which any contact with gluten (a family of food proteins) triggers a reaction from the body’s defense (immune) system.</li><li>Gluten is found in rye, barley, triticale and all forms of wheat.</li><li>The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=956&language=English">gluten-free diet</a> for life. The gluten-free diet will help heal the gut, improve symptoms that may have been present, and keep your child healthy.</li><li>To maintain a strict gluten-free diet, you should avoid cross-contamination (gluten transferred from one food or object to a gluten-free food or object) at home and outside your home.</li><li>When eating out, make sure everyone understands that your child’s gluten-free diet is the only medical treatment for celiac disease.</li></ul><br> | | | | | | | | <h2>Tax credit</h2>
<p>The purchase of gluten-free products for a person with celiac disease is considered a medical expense and can be filed as such with your taxes with <a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html">Canada Revenue Agency</a>. You will be required to have the following documentation:</p>
<ul>
<li>a letter from a health-care practitioner certifying that the person requires gluten-free products due to celiac disease</li>
<li>a summary of each item purchased during the 12-month period for which the expenses are being claimed</li>
<li>a receipt to support the cost of each gluten-free product claimed</li>
</ul>
<p>For more information, visit the <a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html">Canada Revenue Agency</a> website. <br></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>How to avoid cross-contamination</h2><p>Cross-contamination occurs when gluten is not intentionally (not on purpose) transferred from one food or object to another food or object. It is important to avoid all sources of cross-contamination.</p><h3>At home</h3><p>Washing:</p>
<ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1981&language=English">Wash hands</a> between handling gluten-containing and gluten-free foods.</li><li>Wash hands and toys that have been contaminated with gluten.</li><li>Wash the counters carefully before preparing a gluten-free meal.</li><li>Clean all pots, pans, utensils and counter tops with soap between uses.</li></ul><p>In the kitchen:</p><ul><li>Keep gluten-free foods separated from foods that contain gluten.</li><li>Use a separate toaster, grill, colander and cutting board for all gluten-free products. If you use your grill for foods that contain gluten, wrap the gluten-free item in foil before cooking.</li><li>Use plastic or metal baking utensils and cutting boards instead of wooden ones because gluten sticks to wood.</li><li>Use condiments from a squeeze bottle when available or have separate containers for those used with gluten-free products (for example, butter or margarine dish).</li></ul><p>Avoid foods potentially contaminated with gluten: </p><ul><li>Do not buy foods that have no nutrition or allergy information on the label.</li><li>Do not eat gluten-free foods that are on the same plate as gluten-containing food (for example trays with fruits, cheese and gluten-containing crackers).</li></ul><h3>Outside of the home</h3><p>You have no control over your environment when you and your family are outside your home. Keep in mind that:</p><ul><li>Toys and play surfaces at day cares, school or others’ homes may be contaminated with gluten. Avoid touching or placing your child’s food on these surfaces.</li><li>Do not buy foods from bulk bins. Products in bulk bins can become contaminated when scoops are used in more than one bin. There is no assurance that the other customers will be as cautious as you.</li><li>Do not buy foods from stores where no nutrition or allergy information are on the label. This may happen with foods imported from other countries.</li><li>Contact food companies when in doubt about processing and gluten contamination.</li><li>Choose packaged deli meats. At the deli counter gluten-free meats are cut using the same slicer without cleaning between uses, which is a source of contamination.</li><li>Avoid buffets as foods may become contaminated with gluten when customers use the same serving utensils between dishes.</li><li>Avoid french fries and other gluten-free foods if they have been cooked in oil which has been contaminated with gluten. This may be the case if battered foods or seasoned foods have been fried in the same fryer.</li><li>Meat can become contaminated if it is cooked on a grill which is also used to cook gluten-containing foods.</li></ul><p>At school</p><ul><li>Speak to your child’s school about the need for your child to be on a strict gluten-free diet.</li><li>Ask the school about gluten-free menu options. It is important to check directly with the food provider about potential sources of contamination.</li><li>Make sure your child understands why they should not trade food with other students.</li></ul> | <h3>Before going out to eat</h3><p>Call the restaurant beforehand. Tell them that your child’s gluten-free diet is medical treatment for celiac disease, and not an intolerance or sensitivity.</p><p>Visit the restaurant’s website to check its menu, list of ingredients and allergy warnings.</p><p>Select a restaurant where communication will be easy and where the specifics of the strict gluten-free diet will be understood. For example, you should make sure that language will not be a barrier to communication.</p><p>If you do not have time to call ahead, inform your server and the chef of the strict gluten-free diet when you arrive. Try to go to restaurants during hours when it is less busy. With more time, restaurant staff may have more resources to focus on the specifics of the strict gluten-free diet.</p><p>Bring gluten-free breads, crackers and favourite condiments—including salad dressing—to the restaurant.</p><h3>At the restaurant</h3><p>Remember to always ask about cross-contamination. You may want to explain what cross-contamination is. You can say, “Cross-contamination happens when gluten from one food or object comes in contact with another food or object.” Ask for food to be prepared on clean surfaces with clean utensils and gloves.</p><p>Avoid all seasonings, sauces (for instance soy sauce), croutons, soups and gravies. Be specific when ordering. You can say “I want no gravy on my plate.” </p><p>Ask what food is deep fried in the same oil or fryer. You can explain that french fries, tofu, nachos and wings cooked in the same oil as nuggets or onion rings (which are sources of gluten) will be cross-contaminated and are unsafe for your child.</p><p>Ask for allergy or nutrition information lists.</p><p>Avoid buffets.</p><h2>Tips for calling food companies</h2><h3>Finding contact information</h3><p>If you are not sure about a food product or an ingredient in a non-food product, call the company. Find and write down or take a picture of the contact information for the company from the package. In Canada, this is usually a 1-800 phone number.</p><p>If you cannot find a contact phone number, record the name of the company. You can look for the company’s name in the phonebook or search for the contact information on the Internet.</p><p>Record the name of the product and the UPC code number; this is the number at the bottom of the bar code.</p><h3>What to ask</h3><p>Call the company and ask to speak with customer service. Ask specific questions about the product, such as “Is this product gluten-free?” or “Does the product contain oats, barley, wheat, rye, triticale, or any components of these ingredients?”</p><p>If the company is unable to confirm that the product is gluten-free, then do not eat or use that product. Remember that ingredient lists change and you may need to update this information at a later date. </p><p>Some companies maintain a list of products that are considered “gluten-free”. The company can send you the list at your request. Some companies list gluten-free information on their website. Make sure that the information has been recently updated (within the last year). </p> | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2>
<h3>Websites</h3>
<p>The <a href="http://www.celiac.ca/">Canadian Celiac Association</a> and its local chapters offer many resources to help maintain a gluten-free diet and more.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.glutenfreecert.com/about-us/gluten-free-certification-program/">Gluten-Free Certification Program</a> provides information about gluten-free products that are safe to eat for people with celiac disease.</p>
<h3>Handbook</h3>
<p><em>Acceptability of Foods and Food Ingredients for Gluten-free Diets</em> is a pocket dictionary published by the Canadian Celiac Association. It references food ingredients and additives under "allowed" or "not allowed" categories to guide people on gluten-free diets.</p>
<h3>App</h3>
<p><em>Acceptability of Foods and Food Ingredients for Gluten-free Diets</em> pocket dictionary is also available as an iTunes application. Search “<a href="http://www.glutenfree247.ca/">Gluten free 247</a>” for the version created by the Canadian Celiac Association.</p>
<p>Other apps to help manage celiac disease are available. Check each app review and ask other families for their opinion to choose an app best suited for your needs.</p>
<h3>Books</h3>
<p><strong>Celiac disease</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Managing Diabetes and Celiac Disease Together</em>, by the Canadian Celiac Association</li>
<li><em>Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide</em>, by Shelley Case</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Children’s books</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Growing up Celiac</em>, by the Canadian Celiac Association</li>
<li><em>Eating Gluten-Free with Emily: A Story for Children with Celiac Disease</em>, by Bonnie J. Kruszka (5 year olds)</li>
<li><em>No More Cupcakes and Tummy Aches: A Story for Parents and their Celiac Children to Share</em>, by Jax Peters Lowell (3-8 year olds)</li>
<li><em>Kids with Celiac Disease: A Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy, Gluten-Free Children</em>, by Danna Korn</li>
<li><em>The GF Kid: A Celiac Disease Survival Guide</em>, by Melissa London (8-12 year olds)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cook books</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Foods for Kids: 150 Family-tested recipes</em>, by Sheri L. Sanderson</li>
<li><em>Great Food Gluten Free</em>, by Jeanette Mahoney</li>
<li><em>Gluten Free on a Shoestring</em>, by Nicole Hunn</li>
<li><em>The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook</em>, by America’s Test Kitchen<br></li>
</ul><div><strong>Virtual care services for children</strong><br></div><div><span style="font-size:13px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13px;">Boomerang health was opened by SickKids <span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="color:#373f47;background-color:#ffffff;">to provide communities in Ontario with greater access to community-based services for children and adolescents. For more information on virtual care services in Ontario to support celiac disease, visit <a href="http://www.boomeranghealth.com/services/gastroenterology/">Boomerang Health</a> powered by SickKids. </span><br></span></div> | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Nutrition_and_JIA.jpg | Maintaining a gluten-free diet | Children with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet. This article contains tips to help your child maintain their special diet. | Main | | |
| Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | Nutrition and mental health: Developing positive eating habits | N | English | Nutrition;Psychiatry;Adolescent | Teen (13-18 years) | Body | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | | 2019-03-22T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.0000000000000 | 61.0000000000000 | 453.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | | <p>Developing positive eating habits can be difficult. Find out some things you can do every day to work toward having a healthy attitude toward food.</p> | | | <h2>Plan and prepare meals</h2><p>Get involved in planning, shopping and preparing family meals. Doing so will help you learn to shop smartly, understand food labels and develop your skills in the kitchen. You may even enjoy sharing some of your favourite recipes with friends and family.</p><p>If you find yourself always rushing out the door to school or work, try preparing a breakfast wrap or some yogurt and fruit the night before. Breakfast is an important meal that will set you up for the day ahead!</p><h2>Eat as a family</h2><p>Busy schedules and after-school activities can make it hard to sit down to eat with your family every night. But sharing a meal with those closest to you even a few times a week without any distractions is a great way to strengthen family bonds, have fun and, if needed, share support after a tough day. These all help to boost self-confidence and communication skills, help improve how you perform at school and lower the incidence of weight issues and substance use disorders.</p><h2>Develop a healthy body image </h2><p>Like many teens, you probably see a constant stream of images and messages about physical appearance. With such highly promoted but narrow standards of beauty and fitness, it is hard to escape the idea that you should look a certain way. </p><p>When you feel overwhelmed by pressure to conform to an ideal body type, try to remember all the great things your body can do instead of simply how it looks. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder can take root when someone feels badly about themselves and their appearance. Be sure to share any concerns about your body image with a parent, caregiver or another trusted adult. </p><h2>Keep a healthy attitude to food</h2><p>While most of your diet should be <a href="/Article?contentid=3773&language=English">rich in nutrients</a>, it is also ok to have some treats now and then. Rather than latching onto the latest fad diet or banning particular foods (unless you have an allergy):</p><ul><li>focus on eating the right amount of calories for your stage of growth and level of physical activity</li><li>consider eating more of one thing and less of another (for instance, more fruit and less juice or more grilled food and less fried)</li><li>consume a variety of foods, from all food groups, to help your brain and body work as well as possible</li></ul><p>The less control you feel you need to exert over food, the healthier your attitude towards it. That said, if you have any concerns about eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight for you and your needs, talk to a healthcare provider, your doctor or a dietitian.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p>
<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins">Harvard Health Publishing - Listing of vitamins</a></p><p>
<a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/#.XJU1eBNKiWZ">Mind (UK) - Food and mood</a><br></p><p><a href="https://meant2preventkitchen.ca/">Meant2Prevent: Kitchen</a></p> | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/developing_positive_eating_habits.jpg | Developing positive eating habits | Developing positive eating habits can be difficult. Find out what your teen can do every day to develop a healthy attitude toward food. | Teens | | |
| Cystic fibrosis (CF) | Cystic fibrosis (CF) | Cystic fibrosis (CF) | C | English | Genetics | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Lungs;Pancreas | Pancreas;Lungs | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-04-25T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.40000000000000 | 67.0000000000000 | 1341.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Learn what causes cystic fibrosis, what the signs and symptoms are, and what treatments are available.</p> | <h2>What is cystic fibrosis?</h2><p>Cystic fibrosis or CF is a disease that mainly affects the
<a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=lung-child">lungs</a> and digestive system (or digestive tract). Although CF can be treated and CF patients can usually lead fairly normal lives, there is no cure for CF. Today, half of Canadians with CF live into their 40s and beyond.</p>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">Cystic fibrosis</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Cystic_fibrosis_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Stomach, pancreas, small intestine and lung identified in upper body of a child, with a close-up showing mucus in the airways" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">In cystic fibrosis, mucus in the lungs and digestive tract is stickier than normal. Mucus builds up and causes lung congestion and problems with digestion.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>CF affects the lungs</h3><p>Normal mucus is thin and slippery. It keeps the lungs clean by removing dirt and germs from the lungs' airway tubes. In CF, mucus is sticky and clogs the tubes. This can make breathing difficult. Bacteria can collect in the tubes because the mucus cannot clear as quickly as it should. This leads to cycles of infection and inflammation (swelling in the airway tubes). These infections can damage the lung tissues.</p><h3>CF may also affect the digestive system</h3><p>CF may also affect the digestive system, especially the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ just below the stomach that makes enzymes to help digest food in the small intestine. Enzymes help with digestion and break down the food particles small enough to be absorbed. In CF, mucus blocks the ducts (tube-like channels that carry fluid) of the pancreas.</p><p>When the ducts from the pancreas to the small intestine are blocked by mucus, the enzymes cannot reach the small intestine. This means food is not properly digested. When this happens, a child with CF does not get enough nutrition from their food. As a result, a child with CF may take replacement enzymes in order to grow normally and may have to eat a bit more food.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>CF is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.</li>
<li>It is not contagious.</li>
<li>With treatment and regular follow-up, most children with CF can live fairly normal lives.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis</h2>
<p>In most children, CF mainly affects both the lungs and the digestive system. The symptoms of CF are variable ranging from mild to severe.</p>
<h3>Signs and symptoms of CF include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>trouble breathing</li>
<li>cough that produces thick mucus</li>
<li>difficulty gaining weight</li>
<li>bowel movements that are bulky, frequent and foul-smelling</li>
<li>skin that tastes salty</li>
<li>repeated lung infections</li>
<li>delayed passage of <a href="/Article?contentid=1115&language=English">meconium</a> or meconium ileus (a blockage in the small intestine by the newborn's feces)</li>
</ul>
<p>The symptoms of CF are often confused with other conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia or celiac disease because they have similar symptoms as CF.</p> | <h2>Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease</h2><p>About one in every 3,600 children are born with CF. CF is a genetic disease, meaning it is passed from parents to their children. About one in every 25 Canadians carries the mutated gene that can cause CF. The probability may be lower depending on your ethnic background.</p><p>A gene is a section of DNA that gives an instruction to a cell. Most of the time, the instruction is a "recipe" for making a protein.</p><p>CF is caused by a mutation in the gene for the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. CF is a recessive genetic condition. This means that a person needs to have two copies of the mutated gene to develop CF. People with only one copy of the CF mutation are called "carriers" and do not have symptoms. Most parents do not know they are carriers of the CF gene. To develop CF, a child must inherit two copies of the CF gene, one from each parent.<br></p><p>Two parents with the CF gene may have children with CF, children who are carriers or children who are not. The risk of having a child with CF is the same with each pregnancy.</p><p>CF is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<span class="asset-image-title">Inheritance of cystic fibrosis</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Cystic_fibrosis_inheritance_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Chromosome distribution from parents carrying cystic fibrosis" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">In this example, both parents are carriers of one normal cystic fibrosis (CF) gene and one mutated CF gene. Their children may inherit one, two, or no copies of the CF gene. If a baby inherits one copy of the mutated gene, they will be carriers like their parents, but will not have CF. If a baby inherits two mutated copies, they will have CF.</figcaption>
</figure> | | <h2>How cystic fibrosis is diagnosed</h2>
<p>In almost all of Canada, babies are diagnosed with CF in the first two weeks of life through the <a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/CGenetics/What-we-do/Newborn-screening-program/index.html">Newborn Screening Program</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>Genetic tests are used to diagnosis CF. Genetic tests can diagnose CF before a child is born.</li>
<li>Shortly after a baby is born, the doctor may take a small sample of blood from the baby as part of the newborn screening program. Testing starts by looking for an enzyme called IRT. If the level of IRT is high, the doctor will perform a DNA test looking for the most common CF mutations. If the screen is positive, the doctor will refer your child to a specialist centre for confirmation and follow-up.</li>
<li>Doctors usually order a sweat test if they suspect CF. This is a simple test that measures the amount of salt in the sweat. It will not hurt your child. Heat or medicine is applied to a local (small) area of the skin. If the sweat contains more salt than usual, this may mean your child has CF.</li>
<li>Doctors may perform a test to check for enzymes in the intestine.</li>
</ul> | <h2>How cystic fibrosis is treated</h2>
<p>There is no cure for CF. With appropriate treatment and regular follow-up, most children with CF can live fairly normal lives up to at least their 40s.</p>
<p>CF treatment is tailored to your child's needs. It also depends upon the stage of the disease and which organs are affected.</p>
<h3>Treating the lungs</h3>
<p>A lot of CF treatments focus on the lungs. The treatments work to loosen and thin the mucus that clogs the airways. Chest X-rays may be taken to see if there are any changes in the lungs.</p>
<h3>Treatments followed at home may include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Physiotherapy is done by tapping or "clapping" on the chest in different positions twice a day for babies and young children.</li>
<li>PEP (positive expiratory pressure) mask therapy is taught to older children and adults with CF to help clear their lungs.</li>
<li>Other forms of chest physiotherapy to help loosen the mucus that clogs the lungs can also be taught by the clinic physiotherapist.</li>
<li>Oral (through the mouth), inhaled (breathing) or intravenous (IV or using a needle) antibiotics are often used when someone with CF has a lung infection.</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=1973&language=English">Exercise</a>.</li>
<li>Medications to help open the airways and thin mucus are inhaled using a puffer or a small compressor machine with a nebulizer, which makes the medication easy to inhale through a mask or a mouthpiece.</li>
</ul>
<h3>To avoid infection, children with CF should also:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Avoid contact with people with a cold or illness</li>
<li>Avoid contact with other people with CF</li>
<li>Have their usual <a href="/Article?contentid=1986&language=English">immunizations</a> (shots)</li>
</ul>
<p>In some cases, when treatments can no longer maintain a person's health or organ function, the person may require a lung transplant.</p>
<h3>Treatments for the digestive tract include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>taking pancreatic enzymes with meals to help digestion</li>
<li>taking supplements and special CF vitamins to promote good nutrition</li>
<li>eating a special diet with increased calories and fat</li>
<li>adding salt to the diet to replace the excess amounts lost by sweating</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Activity</h2>
<p>Children with CF are encouraged to play games and sports. Ask your child's doctor how much activity they can do. Sports such as running and swimming are often helpful because they help clear the lungs of mucus.</p>
<p>Children with CF lose a lot of salt during exercise and hot weather, more than people without CF do. It is important to make sure your child replaces fluids and salt by drinking enough and eating enough salt.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>For more information</h2><p>Visit:</p><ul><li> Cystic Fibrosis Canada: <a href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/">www.cysticfibrosis.ca</a></li><li> The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: <a href="http://www.cff.org/">www.cff.org</a></li><li> Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology: <a href="http://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?x=804/">www.csep.ca</a>; see Physical Activity option.</li><li> Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis: <a href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/advocacy/newborn-screening/">www.cysticfibrosis.ca/advocacy/newborn-screening</a><br></li></ul> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/cystic_fibrosis.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/cystic_fibrosis.jpg | | May is Cystic Fibrosis Month. Learn what causes cystic fibrosis, what the signs and symptoms are, and what treatments are available. | Main | | |
| Asthma: Overview and care after a hospital visit | Asthma: Overview and care after a hospital visit | Asthma: Overview and care after a hospital visit | A | English | Respiratory | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Lungs | Lungs | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Cough;Wheezing | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Asthma_narrow_airways_MED_ILL_EN.jpg | 2019-12-13T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.20000000000000 | 69.8000000000000 | 1568.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and causes breathing difficulties. If your child has visited the hospital for an asthma attack, it is important that you follow up with your primary care provider <strong>within one week</strong>, even if you child is feeling better, to ensure that they continue to improve and stay healthy.</p> | <h2>What is asthma?</h2><p>Asthma is a condition that affects your child’s lungs. When asthma is not well controlled, the airways narrow, become swollen and produce mucus. This makes it difficult to breathe.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<span class="asset-image-title">Narrowing of airways in asthma</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Asthma_narrow_airways_MED_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Normal airways, muscles and alveoli compared to those during an asthma attack" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways get tight. The airway narrow, become swollen and produce mucus, making it hard to breathe.</figcaption></figure> | | <h2>Key points<br></h2><ul><li>When asthma is not well controlled, the airways narrow, become swollen and produce mucus, causing breathing difficulties.</li><li>Early warning signs of asthma can include coughing, wheezing and breathing problems.</li><li>Late warning signs can include feeling very short of breath, continuous coughing or wheezing, difficulty talking, and/or “pulling in” of the skin at the neck or between/below the ribs.</li><li>The medicines you will use to treat your child's asthma are guided by an "asthma action plan" that you develop with your child's health-care provider.</li><li>The most effective way to control your child's asthma is to minimize exposure to the most common asthma triggers.</li><li>
<strong>After an asthma attack, it is very important that you follow up with your child’s primary care provider <u>within one week</u> of a visit to the hospital, even if your child feels better.</strong></li></ul> | | <h2>What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?</h2><h3>Early warning signs</h3><p>Problems with asthma can start slowly over hours or days. The small changes that happen in your child's body when they are having problems with asthma are called early warning signs.</p><p>Early warning signs of asthma include:</p><ul><li>Daytime coughing or wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound)</li><li>Breathing problems:</li><ul><li>Breathing faster than normal</li><li>Feeling short of breath</li><li>Feelings of chest tightness or a heavy chest</li><li>Any other difficulty breathing</li></ul><li>Nighttime awakening due to coughing, wheezing or breathing problems, even if only occurring once during the week</li><li>Coughing or trouble breathing with regular physical activity</li></ul><h3>Late warning signs</h3>
<figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">Visible late warning signs of asthma</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/AsthmaSymptoms_EN.jpg" alt="Child displaying late warning signs of asthma" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption"></figcaption></figure>
<p>Late warning signs of asthma include:</p><ul><li>Reliever puffer lasting less than 3 hours</li><li>Feeling very short of breath</li><li>Continuous coughing or wheezing</li><li>Difficulty talking</li><li>“Pulling in”of the skin at the neck or between/below the ribs</li></ul><p>If you see any of these late warning signs,
<strong>go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately</strong>.</p> | | | | <h2>How is asthma treated?</h2><p>Asthma can be treated with a range of medicines. Medicines for asthma do not cure asthma but they can keep your child's lungs healthy and keep your child's asthma from getting worse.</p><p>Each medicine has a generic name and one or more brand names. The generic name is the chemical name for the drug. The brand name is given by the pharmaceutical company that produces the drug. Your child’s asthma medicines are part of an <a href="https://lungontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PediatricAsthmaActionPlan2875-1.pdf">“asthma action plan”</a> that you will develop with your child’s doctor. The action plan tells you what to do if your child is well, having mild symptoms or is worsening.</p><h3>Reliever/rescue medicine</h3><ul><li>It relieves the tightening in the airways by relaxing the muscles around them. This can provide immediate relief when your child has signs or symptoms of asthma.</li><li>This medicine should only be used as needed with symptoms.</li><li>This medicine usually comes in a blue puffer.</li><li>Examples include salbutamol, also known by the brand name Ventolin.</li></ul><h3>Controller/preventer medicine</h3><ul><li>It reduces swelling and mucus in the airways, which helps heal the lungs, and further used daily for prevention to keep the asthma under good control.</li><li>It does not provide immediate relief and should be taken even if your child has no symptoms.</li><li>It is usually prescribed for an initial period of 12 weeks.</li><li>This medicine often comes in an orange, red or brown puffer.</li><li>Examples include fluticasone propionate, also known by the brand name Flovent.</li></ul><h3>Oral steroids (liquid or tablet medicine taken by mouth)</h3><ul><li>These are strong medicines that reduce swelling in the lungs.</li><li>Your child should take them only for a short time until their asthma is back under good control.</li><li>Examples include <a href="/Article?contentid=221&language=English">dexamethasone (also known by the brand name Decadron), prednisone, or prednisolone (also known by the brand name Pediapred)</a>.</li></ul> | | <h2>How do I use a puffer to give asthma medicine to my child?</h2><p>It is always recommended to use a spacer with a puffer to ensure the medicine is delivered directly to the lungs and nowhere else in the body.
<strong>It is never recommended to use a puffer without a spacer, regardless of a person’s age.</strong></p><h3>Using a puffer and spacer with a mask</h3><ol class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Asthma_ShakePuffer_EN_V02.jpg" alt="Canister, plastic holder and cap of a puffer" /></figure>
<p>Remove the cap and shake the puffer five times.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Asthma_PufferSpacer_EN.jpg" alt="Attaching puffer to spacer" /></figure>
<p>Put the puffer upright into the rubber hole of the spacer.</p></li><li><p>Have your child sit up or stand in a comfortable position and put the mask firmly on their face. Be sure the mask covers their mouth and nose.</p><div class="akh-series"><ul><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Asthma_OlderChildPositioning_EN.jpg" alt="Older child’s positioning while caregiver gives a puffer" /></figure>
<p>Older children can sit or stand in a comfortable position while you give them their puffer.</p></li><li><p>Younger children should be held on a parent’s lap. You can then use the “one-person approach” or “two-person approach” to give medicine to a younger child.</p><div class="asset-2-up">
<figure><span class="asset-image-title">One-person approach</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Asthma_OnePersonApproach_EN.jpg" alt="Giving a young child a puffer with only one person" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Sit in a chair and place your child on your lap. Hug the child tightly with one arm and, with your other hand, press the top of the puffer firmly to release a puff of medicine.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><span class="asset-image-title">Two-person approach</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Asthma_TwoPersonApproach_EN.jpg" alt="Giving a young child a puffer with two people" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Cross your leg over your child’s legs, hold their arms with your own arm and hold their forehead against your chest. Another adult will hold your child’s chin, place the mask firmly over your child’s nose and mouth and press the top of the puffer firmly to release a puff of medicine. </figcaption></figure></div></li></ul></div></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/HowToUse_MDI_with_Spacer_5_EQUIP_ILL_EN_V02.jpg" alt="Holding mask of spacer over child’s nose and mouth for six to ten breaths" /></figure>
<p>Press the top of the puffer firmly. This will release one puff of medicine. Hold the mask over your child’s face and ensure they take
<strong>6-10 deep breaths</strong> from the spacer.</p></li><li><p>Encourage your child to take deep breaths. If your child needs more than one puff of the medicine, remove the puffer from the spacer and repeat steps 1 to 5. Do not press the puffer more than once at a time.</p></li></ol><p>If your child is using a spacer with a mouthpiece, ensure their technique has been assessed by a trained health-care professional so that the medicine is delivered properly.</p><h2>What to do when you finish giving asthma medicine with the puffer</h2><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12">
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HowToUse_MDI_with_Spacer_6_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Child drinking from a cup" /></figure>
<p>Take the mask off your child’s face and encourage them to rinse their mouth or have a drink. Wipe their face where the mask was placed.</p></div></div></div><h2>My child does not like using their puffer. What can I do?</h2><p>Giving puffers may upset a young child. This is natural. Try to make it fun for your child by singing, counting, watching a video or showing them how to use the puffer on yourself or a teddy bear. Your child will become more comfortable with puffers over time.</p><h2>How do I know when my child’s puffer is empty?</h2><p>All puffers have a certain number of doses in them. The best way to know when a puffer is empty is to keep track of the number of doses used.</p><h2>How often do I need to replace my child’s spacer?</h2><p>The spacer you receive from the hospital should be used temporarily or as a back-up spacer. You will then need to buy a spacer from your pharmacy. Most spacers last about a year before you need to replace them.</p><h2>How do I clean my child’s spacer?</h2><p>It is very important to
<a href="/Article?contentid=1478&language=English">wash the spacer regularly</a> to clear any build-up of saliva and have the spacer working properly.</p><p>Once a week, wash the spacer with soap and warm water by hand and let it air dry. If your child has a cold or virus, it should be cleaned more often to prevent the spread of infection.</p> | <h2>How can I control my child’s asthma?</h2><p>The most effective way to control your child's asthma is to minimize any triggers that can make it worse. It is important to understand that
<a href="/Article?contentid=1484&language=English">asthma triggers</a> are different for each person, and you can work with your child’s primary health-care provider to help identify them.</p><p>The most common asthma triggers in children are infections caused by viruses such as colds and the flu. To avoid getting sick, your child should wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with others who are sick. It is highly recommended that your child get their annual flu shot.</p><p>Other possible asthma triggers include:</p><ul><li>Allergens such as dust mites, animals, or pollens</li><li>Cigarette, cannabis or vape smoke</li><li>Irritants such as air pollution or strong scents</li><li>Changes of weather, cold air, or humidity</li><li>Strong emotions such as stress or anxiety</li></ul> | | <h2>Follow-up care</h2><p>After an asthma attack, it is very important that you <strong>follow up with your child’s primary care provider within one week of a visit to the hospital</strong>, even if your child feels better. This is to ensure that they continue to improve and stay healthy.</p><p>Even when your child seems better, they may have swollen airways for six to eight weeks or longer after their asthma was a problem. Your child should keep taking their controller medicine.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p><a href="https://www.lung.ca/">Lung Association</a></p><p><a href="https://asthma.ca/">Asthma Canada</a></p><p><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/asthmahub">AboutKidsHealth</a></p> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/asthma.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | asthma | asthma | | Asthma: Overview and care | Asthma is a condition that affects your child’s lungs. Learn about how to care for your child after a hospital visit. | Main | | |
| Hand hygiene | Hand hygiene | Hand hygiene | H | English | Prevention | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Hand | Skin | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_1_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg | 2019-10-25T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.30000000000000 | 63.5000000000000 | 1244.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>The best way to prevent transmission of disease is good hand hygiene. Learn about proper hand hygiene and how to teach it to your children.<br></p> | <p>As we go through the day, our hands pick up germs from many different sources. Even surfaces and objects that seem clean can carry germs such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The <a href="/article?contentid=912&language=English">influenza virus</a>, for example, can be infective for between two and eight hours on hard surfaces such as desks and doorknobs; some bacteria can survive for weeks or months.</p>
<p>When we eat or touch our eyes or nose, those germs can enter our bodies and can make us sick. Often these germs are more annoying than serious. But they can also include dangerous and deadly infections.</p>
<p>Hand hygiene is the most important thing you can do to help prevent common illnesses like colds, flu, and <a href="/article?contentid=907&language=English">gastroenteritis</a>. Proper handwashing with soap and warm water is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and viruses from the hands, especially if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when in a health-care setting or when water is not available. Cleaning with an appropriate alcohol-based hand sanitizer is as effective as handwashing for the majority of infections.</p> | <h2>When to clean your hands</h2>
<p>Always clean your hands in these situations:<br></p>
<ul>
<li>when your hands are dirty, especially if you can see dirt</li>
<li>before, during and after you prepare food</li>
<li>before you eat, feed a child or give medication</li>
<li>after you use the bathroom<br></li>
<li>after you change your child’s diaper or help them use the bathroom</li>
<li>after you touch blood or other body fluids such as saliva or vomit</li>
<li>after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose</li>
<li>after you touch animals or pick up their waste</li>
<li>after you handle garbage</li>
<li>more often when someone in your home is sick</li>
</ul> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>The best way to protect yourself and your child from germs is proper hand hygiene.</li><li>Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, scrub every surface and rinse off all trace of soap.</li><li>In a health-care setting or when you do not have access to water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure it contains between 60% and 95% alcohol. Rub your hands with the sanitizer until they become dry.</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Using soap and water</h2><p>Liquid, foaming and bar soap are all effective for cleaning your hands, if used properly. The type of soap is not as important as the right technique. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps loosen and remove germs from your skin. The running water washes them away. Antibacterial soap is not necessary. As long as you wash your hands properly, antibacterial soap does not work any better than regular soap.</p><h2>How to wash your hands properly<br></h2><p>Washing your hands will help only if it is done properly. Here is what to do:</p><ol class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_1_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Wetting hands under a tap" /> </figure>
<p>Wet your hands thoroughly with warm water.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_2_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Applying soap to hand" /> </figure>
<p>Apply enough liquid, foam or clean bar soap to cover the entire surface of the hand.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_3_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Washing hands away from water" /> </figure>
<p>With your hands away from the water, rub your hands vigorously together.<br></p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_4_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Washing palms" /> </figure>
<p>Scrub all surfaces.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_5_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Washing between fingers" /> </figure>
<p>Make sure to get between the fingers and under the fingernails.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_6_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Washing back of hand" /> </figure>
<p>Wash the wrists and lower arms, if necessary.<br></p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_7_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Washing wrist" /> </figure>
<p>Continue for at least 20 seconds or about the length of time it takes to hum a short song such as Happy Birthday twice. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_8_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Rinsing hands under a tap" /> </figure>
<p>Rinse well, removing all soap residue.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_9_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Drying hands on a towel" /> </figure>
<p>Dry your hands on a clean towel or paper towel.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/HandWashing_10_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Using towel to turn off the tap" /> </figure>
<p>Use the towel to turn the tap off.<br></p></li></ol> | <h2>Teaching children to wash their hands</h2><p>Even young children can learn to wash their hands properly. Some tips:</p><ul><li>Start teaching your child when they are young. Handwashing should be an essential part of going to the bathroom right from the start. Wash your hands after changing your child’s diaper, and if your baby touched the diaper or the diaper area, wash their hands too. When your child uses the potty, even if you wipe them off, both of you should wash your hands afterwards.</li><li>Lead by example. Always wash your hands using the correct technique.</li><li>Make it easy for your child. Have a stable stool in front of the sink for your child to stand on, and make sure the soap and towels are within your child’s reach. Bar soap can be slippery and hard to handle, so you may want to use liquid or foam soap instead.</li><li>Explain why. Tell your child that germs can get on their hands when they play with animals or go to the bathroom, even if their hands look clean. Germs can make them sick, so it is important to wash them off, especially before eating.</li><li>Keep your child safe. To avoid
<a href="/article?contentid=1116&language=English">scalds</a>, turn on the water and adjust the temperature for your child until they are old enough to do it themselves.</li><li>Get backup. Find out if your child’s school or daycare centre teaches proper handwashing. Check to make sure handwashing and infection control are priorities.</li></ul><h2>Use hand sanitizer when water is not readily available</h2><p>As long as hands are not wet, greasy or visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Hand sanitizers work because the alcohol in them denatures or “cooks” the proteins in the germs.</p><p>Read the label to make sure the hand sanitizer you buy contains 60% to 95% ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). Products with less than 60% alcohol do not kill germs. Products with more than 95% alcohol do not work as well, because there needs to be some water present for proteins to deteriorate.</p><p>To use hand sanitizer, place a thumbnail-sized amount on your hands and rub for about 20 seconds or until your hands are dry. If your hands are dry before then, you may not have used enough.</p><p>Hand sanitizer is not as harsh on your hands and it is often more convenient. However, hand sanitizer should not replace handwashing with soap and water, especially after a visit to the bathroom. Send older children to school with a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their bags so they can clean their hands when they need to, when they do not have access to water and soap.</p><h3>Precautions when using hand sanitizer:</h3><ul><li>Do not leave hand sanitizer where small children might be able to drink it. Hand sanitizer contains 50% more alcohol by volume than most brands of vodka.</li><li>Always supervise small children when using hand sanitizer.</li><li>Do not put your hands near a spark, flame or source of static electricity while they are still wet with hand sanitizer, because the alcohol can catch fire and cause injury. Rub your hands together until they are completely dry.</li></ul><div class="asset-video"> </div> | | | | | | <p>Aiello AE, Larson EL, Levy SB. (2007). Consumer antibacterial soaps: Effective or just risky?
<em>Clinical Infectious Diseases, 45(Suppl2),</em> S137-S147.</p><p>Cottingham A. (2004). “Now wash your hands please”: Teaching health concepts to very young children.
<em>Paediatric Nursing, 16(8),</em> 33-35.</p><p>Fact Sheet on Hand Sanitizers. (2007, August 23).
<em>Ontario Poison Centre</em>. Retrieved from
<a href="http://www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca/pdf/44813-Hand%20Sanitizers%20FactSheet.pdf">http://www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca/pdf/44813-Hand%20Sanitizers%20FactSheet.pdf</a>.</p><p>Preventing Seasonal Flu Illness. (2013, September 25).
<em>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</em>. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/">https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/</a>.<br></p><p>Reynolds SA, Levy F, Walker ES. (2006). Hand sanitizer alert [letter].
<em>Emerging Infectious Diseases, 12(3),</em> 527-527.</p><p>Show Me the Science - When to Use Hand Sanitizer. (2013, December 11).
<em>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</em>. Retrieved from
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html">http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html</a>.</p><p>The Benefits of Hand Washing. (2012, March 14).
<em>Health Canada</em>. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/diseases/benefits-hand-washing.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/diseases/benefits-hand-washing.html</a>.</p> | | | | | | | handwashing | handwashing | | | | Main | | |
| E-cigarettes and vaping | E-cigarettes and vaping | E-cigarettes and vaping | E | English | Respiratory | Teen (13-18 years) | Lungs;Brain | Respiratory system | Healthy living and prevention | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2019-11-04T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.9000000000000 | 48.2000000000000 | 1075.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about e-cigarettes, how they work and who is using them. Also find information about the health risks associated with vaping.</p> | <h2>About e-cigarettes</h2><p>E-cigarettes belong to a group of devices commonly known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). While there are many types of ENDS, they have a few things in common including a:</p><ul><li>battery</li><li>heating coil or atomizer</li><li>mouthpiece</li><li>reservoir or tank</li><li>sensor or button to activate the heating coil</li></ul><p>E-cigarettes can be disposable, or have a reloadable cartridge or a refillable reservoir for the vaping solution. In some e-cigarettes the wattage and voltage can also be modified.</p><p>E-cigarettes are known by many different names, such as:</p>
<figure>
<img alt="Small vaping device that looks like a flash drive" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/vaping.jpg" /></figure>
<ul><li>cig-a-like</li><li>vape/dab pen</li><li>box-mod</li><li>pod device (JUUL, Blu, Phix, Suorin, STIG)</li><li>Chronic/Dank Vapes</li></ul><p>E-cigarettes are available in many different shapes and sizes. Some are small and look like a flash drive or pen, while others are much larger.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, is very common among teens and young adults and has been increasing over the past several years.</li><li>Vaping solutions can contain nicotine and other chemicals such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) oil.</li><li>Nicotine is highly addictive and can quickly become a long-term addiction, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.</li><li>The chemicals in vaping solutions can lead to short-term health problems and increase the risk of long-term health problems.</li><li>If you are trying to quit using tobacco cigarettes, talk to your health-care professional to come up with a plan that makes sense for you.</li></ul>
| <h2>How e-cigarettes work</h2><p>The action of using an e-cigarette is called vaping. When a user inhales from the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, the heating coil is activated. The energy from the battery allows the heating coil to heat the vaping liquid and the vapor is then generated, which is inhaled, mimicking the use of a tobacco cigarette. The vapor that is generated is actually an aerosol that contains fine particles.</p><h2>Vaping solutions</h2><p>Vaping solutions are sometimes known as e-juice or e-liquid, and can contain a number of different chemicals.</p><ul><li>Propylene glycol: One of the main liquids (along with glycerin) used to carry the other chemicals</li><li>Glycerin: One of the main liquids (along with propylene glycol) used to carry the other chemicals</li><li>Nicotine: The main addictive chemical found in tobacco cigarettes and vaping solutions</li><li>Flavorings: Various chemicals, including diacetyl, used to create different tastes and smells</li><li>Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) oil: Two chemicals that are sometimes added to vaping solutions</li></ul><p>Moreover, various heavy metals (nickel, tin and lead) can also be found in vaping solutions.</p><h2>Who is using e-cigarettes?</h2><p>The most recent studies from 2018 show that 37% of teens (aged 16-19) in Canada have tried e-cigarettes. This is an increase of 8% compared to 2017. Most of these teens do not use tobacco cigarettes. About 3.6% of 16 to 19 year olds in Canada when surveyed in 2018 had used e-cigarettes on more than 15 days in the past 30 days.</p><p>In addition, less than 1% of North American adults (45 year of age and older) use e-cigarettes on a daily basis whereas about 8% of 18 to 24 year olds use e-cigarettes daily. Currently, e-cigarettes are used disproportionally by young people.</p><h2>Health risks and vaping</h2><p>There are both short- and long-term health risks associated with vaping. One rare short-term risk is that devices have caught fire or exploded causing physical injury. Seizures have also been described. More seriously, severe, life threatening lung injury has been associated with e-cigarette use. Some people have died from this lung injury. While it is not known why the lungs of these people were injured in this way, there is evidence that it is related to one or more of the chemicals found in vaping solutions.</p><p>A long-term risk associated with vaping is that nicotine use by teens can have a negative impact on their brain development. It can harm the parts of their brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control.</p><p>Another important risk is nicotine addiction. The developing brains of teens and young adults are highly susceptible to the addictive properties of nicotine. In a single pod, e-cigarettes can deliver more nicotine to a person than a pack of cigarettes. Moreover, while high doses of nicotine can lead to nausea and headache, there is no irritating smoke and no need to light a new cigarette, so a person can receive large amounts of nicotine in a day.</p><p>Nicotine is not harmless. Nicotine is toxic to the lungs and long-term use may increase the risk of chronic lung disease.</p><p>While vaping has not been around long enough to be sure of the long-term effects health effects, research studies in cells and animal models suggest that the other chemicals in vaping solutions may also lead to health problems with long-term use.</p><h2>E-cigarettes as a type of nicotine replacement therapy</h2><p>E-cigarettes that contain nicotine have sometimes been used as a type of nicotine replacement therapy to help adults, who are not pregnant, to quit using tobacco cigarettes or to reduce the use tobacco cigarettes. There is some data that suggests that e-cigarettes can help tobacco cigarette users to quit. However, there is also data that the use of e-cigarettes does not lead to more people quitting using tobacco cigarettes.</p><p>There are other types of nicotine replacement and other ways to quit using tobacco cigarettes that do not involve nicotine replacement therapy. If you are considering vaping in order to help you to quit using tobacco cigarettes, talk to a health-care professional and explore the different options that may work for you.</p><h2>Summary</h2><p>With the information that is currently available about e-cigarettes, the recommendation is, if you do not smoke then do not vape. If you do smoke and want to vape, know your options, and the risks and benefits so you can make an informed choice.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p>The Substance Abuse Program at the Hospital for Sick Children is for teens up to 18 years of age to help them with alcohol and other substance abuse related issues: <a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/adolescentmedicine/programs/substance-abuse-program/substance-abuse-program.html">http://www.sickkids.ca/adolescentmedicine/programs/substance-abuse-program/substance-abuse-program.html</a></p><p>The Nicotine Dependence Clinic located at CAMH is for anyone who wants to quit or reduce their tobacco use: <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/nicotine-dependence-clinic">https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/nicotine-dependence-clinic</a></p><p>The Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Service at CAMH is for teens and young adults (ages 14-24) who have substance use challenges and/or concerns, with or without concurrent mental health concerns: <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/youth-addiction--concurrent-disorders-service">https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/youth-addiction--concurrent-disorders-service</a></p><p>Find resources from the Canadian Cancer Society to help you to quit using tobacco cigarettes: <a href="https://www.smokershelpline.ca/">https://www.smokershelpline.ca/</a></p>
| <h2>References</h2><p>Dai, H. & Leventhal, A.M. (2019, September 16). Prevalence of e-Cigarette Use Among Adults in the United States, 2014-2018. <em>The Journal of the American Medical Association</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.15331">https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.15331</a></p><p>Government of Canada. (2019, July 25). Talking with your teen about vaping: a tip sheet for parents. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-parents.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-parents.html</a></p><p>Government of Canada. (2019, August 6). About vaping. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html</a></p><p>Hammond, D., Reid, J.L., Rynard, V.L., Fong, G.T., Cummings, K.M., McNeill, A.,…White, C.M. (2019). Prevalence of vaping and smoking among adolescents in Canada, England, and the United States: repeat national cross sectional surveys. <em>The British Medical Journal, 365</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2219">https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2219</a></p><p>Stanwick, R. (2018, February 28). E-cigarettes: Are we renormalizing public smoking? Reversing five decades of tobacco control and revitalizing nicotine dependency in children and youth in Canada. <em>Canadian Paediatric Society</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/e-cigarettes">https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/e-cigarettes</a></p><p>US Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/e-cigarettes/pdfs/2016_sgr_entire_report_508.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/e-cigarettes/pdfs/2016_sgr_entire_report_508.pdf</a></p><p>Walley, S.C., Wilson, K.M., Winickoff, J.P., & Groner, J. (2019). A Public Health Crisis: Electronic Cigarettes, Vape, and JUUL. <em>Pediatrics, 145</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/143/6/e20182741">https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/143/6/e20182741</a></p> | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/vaping_devices.jpg | | | Main | | |
