Once in the emergency room, there are a number of treatment techniques that doctors may use. These include:

1. A nebulizer machine with bronchodilators.  These work to relax muscles around the bronchial tissue to help with better breathing.
2. Iptratropium combined with nebulized albuterol is often used for acute asthma attacks in the E.R.  This helps to stop spasms of the muscles surrounding lung tissue.
3. An intravenous injection of corticosteroids may be given to reduce the inflammatory processes.
4. In severe situations, patients may be treated with an injection of adrenergic medications including epinephrine or terbutaline.

Oxygen may be administered through a breathing mask and a pulse oxymeter will most likely be placed on a finger or earlobe to evaluate blood oxygen concentration levels.  While the administration of oxygen won’t stop the attack, it will provide more oxygen to the blood and may help to prevent death.

The most classic symptom of Lyme disease, and the one that most doctors like Dr. Josyann Abisaab, will ask you about is a rash.  The circular rash occurs at the site of the tick bite approximately 7-14 days after the initial bite. The rash actually resembles a bulls-eye.  Other symptoms are commonly flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches, chills, headache, fatigue and joint pains.

Unfortunately, when Lyme disease goes untreated, it can cause many problems including continued fever and fatigue, swollen glands, pink eye, aseptic meningitis, Bell’s palsy, arthritis and concentration problems.

If you live in an area where Lyme disease is more common, like in the Northeastern area of the United States, and you are exhibiting these types of symptoms, you should seek attention from a medical professional.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children.  Children shouldn’t be left unattended while in a bath, pool, lake or other body of water and home swimming pools should be protected and securely locked.

Since people drive more during the summer, there is an increased rate of car accidents.  Make sure that children are always buckled and that they are always in the age-appropriate car seats while traveling.  Heat and dehydration also cause a great deal of E.R. visits.  Never leave a child in the car and keep kids well hydrated during the summer.

Outdoor grills cause a great deal of accidents during the warmer months.  It’s important for the grill to be thoroughly cleaned before it is used and for all tubes leading into the burner to be checked before usage.  Don’t use the grill in a closed area such as a garage, carport or porch, or near a surface that can catch fire.

Drowning is, unfortunately, a common issue during the summer months.  Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating and wear a lifejacket if you are going onto a boat.  Keep your eye on your children at all times around water and never let anyone that you know swim alone.  Certainly, all children should be taught to swim when they are old enough to do so.