some friends of ours have had a mother in the hospital recently suffering from symptoms of pneumonia, but it wasn't pneumonia. the mother went home this week and now the father is in the ER with the same type of symptoms. what in their house could be causing this? Mold? Any thoughts?
200527
Most likely it is the air quality inyour home.\nIndoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.\n\nThere are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.\n\nThe relative importance of any single source depends on how much of a given pollutant it emits and how hazardous those emissions are. In some cases, factors such as how old the source is and whether it is properly maintained are significant. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted.\n\nSome sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities carried out in the home, release pollutants intermittently. These include smoking, the use of unvented or malfunctioning stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of ozone generating air cleaners/purifiers, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use of cleaning products and pesticides in housekeeping. High pollutant concentrations can remain in the air for long periods after some of these activities.\n\nIf too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems. Unless they are built with special mechanical means of ventilation, homes that are designed and constructed to minimize the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" into and out of the home may have higher pollutant levels than other homes. However, because some weather conditions can drastically reduce the amount of outdoor air that enters a home, pollutants can build up even in homes that are normally considered "leaky."\nhttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/index.html
438565
I have had many sinus infections in my life and I have never had pain with any of them. I sometimes though get occasional sinus headaches, or pressure behind my eyes and or teeth, but not pain. Probably because our sinuses are cavities (empty spaces). My children too have had sinus infections, and experienced pressure or headaches, but not pain. Your son's cough could be due to drainage even though it sounds dry and non-productive, but it could also be from all the antihistamines he's on, he could be dried out. My kids doctors have always said for sinus cavities they needed to be on an antibiotic for up to 21 days, because those types of infections are harder to clear up due to there reclusive location. The cough sounds deep because he coughs so much, plus the meds he's on could be aggravating instead of helping. My daughter coughed more when on meds than when off. She didn't do well on zyrtec, or singular, she didn't try Qvar. Try a postnasal drip cough drop. If it works then his cough is more than likely due to drainage, and if not you may need to try a new med like a nasal spray, and perhaps discontinue oral meds. My kids both do flonase nasal spray to help with allergies. It doesn't stop all allergens but it helps. It is so hard to know what to do. I always overreacted and had my children on every medicine possible. Now I regret it because looking back I think a lot of the medicines aggravated the situation more than they helped, but I over treated because I was afraid if I didn't my daughter would once again end up in a hospital, which she did for asthma quite often. Anyway, I hope I haven't made it worse for you. It can be so draining when our kids are sick. Good luck, and I hope your son gets to feeling better real soon. Hugs.
447661
They don't sound related to each other.  The blood in her urine is most likely a urinary tract infection.  The blood in her phlem is probably just an irritated vessel in her lung from coughing.  Why hasn't she seen a doctor? No health coverage?  Have her drink lots of water and cranberry juice to help with her UTI.  If she smokes she should quit to help the coughing.  Or if she has a cold just wait it out and it should get better by itself.  I'm not a doctor though, just a CNA, so don't take my advice!  See a doctor for sure, if she doesn't get the uti taken care of it could spread to the bladder and eventually the blood stream which would not be good.
412549
Hello\n\n Boy that's a difficult question and one I am also going through right now with my mother.  I don't think anyone is going to be able to answer this for you and your family, you all know your mom the best.  I can only tell you what we have done.  My mother knows she has lung and heart problems but she really doesn't understand the severity of the problems.  The last time she was hospitalized she had to be put on life support, and the doctors told us she has about 6 months. She is terrified of doctors and hospitals and worries about dying.  She's been really sick for years now.  As a family we decided not to tell her what the doctors said because she gets so scared and we want her to get the most out of the time she has left without being scared and worring all the time.  So only your family knows enough about how your mother to make this decision.  Is she the kind of person who would want to get her affairs in order or would it only add to her suffering.  I hope this helps some. Good luck and God bless.
601834
If your mother already had chicken pox, then you visiting isn't a problem.  If she hasn't, yes, you could feasibly pass it on through close contact.  Regardless, when you do visit, wash your hands thoroughly prior to entering her room, and avoid close contact if possible.\n\nAlso, do not bring your son anywhere near the hospital.  Regardless of your mother's condition, he could make other patients, staff, and/or visitors very ill.
102710
Symptoms of pneumonia vary, depending on the age of the child and the cause of the pneumonia. Some common symptoms include: \n\nfever \nchills \ncough \nunusually rapid breathing \nbreathing with grunting or wheezing sounds \nlabored breathing that makes a child's rib muscles retract (when muscles under the rib cage or between ribs draw inward with each breath) \nvomiting \nchest pain \nabdominal pain \ndecreased activity \nloss of appetite (in older children) or poor feeding (in infants) \nin extreme cases, bluish or gray color of the lips and fingernails \n\nGo to a doctor- they will be able to let you know for definate. If you feel unable to work- I suggest you don't go- you might make yourself feel worse.\nHope you get better soon x
283615
Sounds like she should get checked by a doctor first.\n\nSteam is good for a cough and helps to get phlem up of the chest. If you have a vapouriser put it in the room. If not, a bowl of hot water; get her to sit with her face over the bowl so that she can breath in the steam for a few minutes with a towel over her head. BE VERY CAREFUL SHE DOES NOT TIP THE WATER OVER.
470510
Hi there.. I was raised in Canada, and after graduating from University went off the travel the world, which I did.  I met my former husband, and we had a child.\n\nHe was Italian, so we lived in Italy.  In Italy, homoeopathy is a very popular medicine, strictly followed by physicians.  When my son was just 2 months old, he started having problems with his breathing.. we did every test in the name of medicine and he came out perfect, but continued to have breathing problems when he cried.  We spend 3 weeks in the hospital and the final test was with an anaesthesiologist - and he personally came to me and told me that my son 'was in perfect health'... so why did he keep holding his breath when he cried - the doctor had no idea.\n\nI then started a very strict time schedule and it seemed to work.  but again, the breathing problems when crying continued.  Finally, a cousin of mine in Italy told me about a physician who specializes not only in Oncology for children, but also for Homeopathy... so I went to see him,\n\nUnlike other appointments I have had with my 4 month old son, this doctor gave almost TWO hours of his time - asking loads of questions that related to me and my son.  He then told me that he believes that my son should take Camomilla in the strongest dose - for the next 3 days.  No food or drink after the dose for 30minutes.... he also said, that after this, for the next three days, my son's symptons will be worse, and on the third day, I would call him back and say - 'my son is worse what can you do about it'.\n\nSure enough, he was right.  I did call back and was frantic - for my son was worse.  This physician then told me to wait one more day - and to call him back.  I did, and let me tell you it was like a miracle.  Since seeing this physician and using homeopathy under the guidance of this physician - my son has not had another 'attack' when crying - and now with myself and my son we both have NOT had a serious cold, and NO flu symtoms in the last 10 years.\n\nMost people say it is a joke and not true.. I SO do not disagree.  My son at the age of 10 has NEVER taken an antibiotic - he is so healthy, that he is the only child in his school that has NOT missed a day due to illness.  Ever.\n\nI have not missed a day of work myself, and when I do get the sniffles I know what to take, for you homeopathy is dealing with the symptoms, not the disease.  When you start practicing this medicine, you need to understand that.  What works for you, will not necessarily work for someone else.  I know my son and his needs for homeopathy as I know myself, but as much as informed as I am with this type of medicine - I could not and should not prescribe medications to others.\n\nI am certain that Singapore has this type of medication, but you need to learn, read, research and speak to someone regarding your symptons before you start taking this type of meds... why?  it is not cheap (also not really expensive either), and you can waste a lot of time and money on them, for some of these meds do NOT work on all people... hint:  SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE.\n\nI still use this to this day and will continue to do so for life.  Do I use regular prescribed meds?  Yes, but when needed - and till now, have not needed anything other type - and it has been 10 years now. \n\ntake a look at the website below, it is the main company that makes this medicine (not the only, but one I am very familiar with) and is used often in Italy (I am now living in Canada - and they are here also)\n\nResearch and learn about your symptons, for if you are not correct in what you need, homeopathy will not work.  But when it does, wow.. it truly is a miracle medicine.
289875
I hope that the answer is as simple as an inner ear infection, but the chances are it could be more serious.  My friend's son was vomiting every day at approximately the same time and after extensive tests they found a tumor in his head.  Everything has worked out fine and the little boy is doing well.  But I think that our bodies are amazing at letting us know when there is something wrong.  I am glad that she has a doctors appointment tomorrow.
21501
I've never heard of this, so first of all my thoughts are with your family.  I knew strokes, heart attacks and those types of things didn't only happen to "older" people anymore, but that they were also happening to people as young as their 20's.  I had absolutely no idea, I am going to try to look this up tho, as I have two young children.  Were there any symptoms, something long coming that didn't get noticed because it was also considered a normal thing?  I hope he stays strong and has a great turn around back to good health.
316219
It might be asthma from the mould, or your partner has it in for you, as it only happened when he moved in! eek!\nI would say you need a letter from your local Council/health enviroment to explain the extent of the mould then have the cause investagated and take it from there.
533105
I live in northeast Alabama and I have bad seasonal allergies and right now I am doing the best I've done all year. I don't know what could be blooming right now over there I think that most everything is dead now. I wonder if your having indoor allergy problems. It could be mold.
469850
I totally agree. sometimes we as mothers have to make a choice ourselves. Doctor sometimes only see the $$$$$ and not the problem. Also all they can do is diagnose. sometime they are wron too. But I think that you should get a 2nd opinonion and get that boy better before its too late. fever means infection and although the antibiotics are presents there must be another problem present. good luck!
575103
could be pneumonia, any fever?  The person definitely needs to see a doctor.  Coughing up blood is serious, something could hemorrage and kill the person.  Usually coughing up blood is related to stomach or lung problems.  Ulcers, pneumonia, bronchitis are some examples.  It could be viral or bacterial.  The person definitely needs to go to the dr if not the ER.
612514
Hiya Yes My mum recently had the very same thing and the doc gave her antibiotics because she had a chest infection brought on by the virus that caused the symptoms you described also she has now been given potassium tablets as she is low in potassium caused by the illness and the doc said it could take up to six months to recover fully .I hope you feel better soon.
134682
Honey...I'm a mom.  Hate to ask this, but does it smell bad?  Have you been having sex with a boy?  If so, could be PH imbalance because of his semen.  Was this white liquid during waht was SUPPOSED to be your period?  These are all questions you should ask a gynecologist (female organs doctor) or (free clinic if you want to be private and not discuss with parents).  From a mom's point of view...I always encouraged my daughter (now 21) to duscuss with me these things.  We were honest and open with each other, and if there was something I didn't WANT to hear, I tried not to REACT badly, but help her get answers, then we'd sit down and discuss what caused this to happen afterwards.  I wanted her to trust me.  Show this to your mom and see if she would be open with you...then see the gynecologist.  Could be a simple yeast infection which are easily treated, but need a doctor to diagnose it and prescribe medication or over the counter medicine.  Never put off questions about your female health.  Good luck!  P.S.  clumps?  sounds familiar from when I was young, but the gynecologist is the best way to go.  Never be afraid of going to the doctor.  Be more afraid of ignorance, and not knowing exactly what's wrong.  If you find out all is okay, won't you feel MUCH better??  Go for it Dear....
628296
You can get something called chemical pneumonia from breathing chlorine fumes. The chlorine gas when it mixes with the moisture in your lungs creates hydrochloric acid and causes your lungs to secrete fluid, thus causing the pneumonia. I am talking a pretty severe exposure here. The sore throat is from a mild acid exposure and should pass. If you start coughing alot, I would go to a medical doctor and tell them what happened