cough • Rheumatoid arthritis can begin with only a prolonged unexplained fever and no outward signs of arthritis (redness, tenderness, swelling). MEDICAL TREATMENT For the evaluation of arthritis, several tests are necessary. These tests may include xray studies, a wide variety of blood tests, blood culture, analysis of a sample of fluid drawn from the joint, electrocardiogram, and a stool culture. Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage of the joints, large doses of aspirin (aspirin substitutes do not have the same effect), or oral steroids. If large doses of aspirin are prescribed and taken over a period of time, aspirin blood levels should be tested regularly. If the condition is diagnosed as allergic arthritis, the doctor may suggest using oral antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If it is diagnosed as arthritis of rubella, no treatment is necessary. RELATED TOPICS: Growing pains; Hip problems; Knee pains: Puncture wounds; Sprains and dislocations guick Reference Asthma KEY SYMPTOMS • Wheezing • Difficulty in breathing out SYMPTOMS • Shortness of breath • Cough • Sensation of "air hunger" HOME CARE • Do not attempt to treat the first attack at home. Contact your doctor immediately. • If further attacks occur, follow your doctor's prescribed home treatment • If an allergy has been identified as the cause of asthma, remove any offending substances from your home. PRECAUTIONS • Not all wheezing indicates asthma. A doctor must diagnose the cause. • Do not use overthecounter (nonprescription) aerosol medications on young children. • Avoid rectal medications for asthma. • Do not let any asthma attack go untreated. • Avoid exposing the child to irritants like smoke, insecticides, and paint fumes. Asthma is often an allergic reaction of the bronchial tree (the system of air passages leading into the lungs). It is a major and potentially dangerous form of allergy because it causes breathing difficulty. During an asthma attack, there are spasms in the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes, and thick mucus collects in these tubes. Asthma is often caused by an allergy to small particles breathed in from the air (animal dander, pollens, dust, feathers, molds). Less commonly, asthma is caused by an allergy to certain foods, medicines, and insect stings. Attacks may also be brought on by physical exertion, upper respiratory tract infections, emotional stress, or exposure to irritants, such as smoke and chlorine. The tendency to have allergies runs in families. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS The major symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, cough, a sensation of air hunger, difficulty in breathing out, and wheezing. Wheezing is a highpitched whistling sound heard more when the child is breathing out than when breathing in. The child usually does not have a fever. Carefully noting when asthma attacks occur may help you and your doctor find an allergic cause of asthma. roseola