LEVOCET M KID TABLET has the following salts in its composition

 1) Cetirizine 2) Montelukast

Uses Of LEVOCET M KID TABLET

Uses Of Salt: Cetirizine

Cetirizine or levocetirizine is used for relieving allergy symptoms like:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes, itching eyes/nose
• Sneezing
• Hives, itching.

 It works by blocking the histamine, a natural substance which body makes during an allergic reaction.

Uses Of Salt: Montelukast

Montelukast is used for:

• Decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks
• Relieving symptoms of asthma, caused due to exercise
• Preventing breathing problems during exercise

Side Effects Of LEVOCET M KID TABLET

Side Effects Of Salt: Cetirizine

Some people, using cetirizine may experience:

•  Headache
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

Side Effects Of Salt: Montelukast

Most patients using this medicine do not experience any side-effect. However, some patients may experience:

• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Mood changes, agitation, insomnia, dream abnormalities
• Depression 

Contraindications Of LEVOCET M KID TABLET

Contraindications Of Salt: Cetirizine

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Difficulty in urinating due to an enlarged prostate or any other reason
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Contraindications Of Salt: Montelukast

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Pregnancy 

What Is Allergy

An allergy is an autoimmune response called a hypersensitivity reaction. This means that the body's immune system is acting in a way that is detrimental or has consequences that that affects the body- The body's immune system "overreacts" to a particular trigger, and thus your immune system is called "hypersensitive."

The severity of this overreaction of the immune system differs from person to person. Some people may have a mild reaction (sometimes only referred to as a sensitivity and not an allergy), while others may have severe anaphylactic reactions that can be life-threatening.

Eczema, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, medication allergies and anaphylactic reactions can all be grouped under the term "allergy." No specific causes of allergies have been found although genetics play the biggest role in predisposing to allergies.

People who suffer from allergies have different triggers that cause an allergic reaction. The first time someone is exposed to a trigger, the body's immune system forms antibodies against the particular allergen. This is called sensitization.

When the immune system encounters the allergic trigger for the second time, the antibodies will react to the trigger and cause an allergic response. Sometimes the allergic response can worsen with every exposure, for example, seen in patients with bee-sting allergies. The first bee sting might not be severe, but the third or fourth reaction could be life-threatening. Most of the time, the allergic response stays the same in severity.

Often people who suffer from allergies had what we call an atopic triad in childhood- this triad of allergies include atopic dermatitis (eczema), food allergies and asthma.
 

What Is Asthma

• Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways in the lungs. Asthma can either be allergic (most common) or non-allergic.
• Allergic asthma is due to an allergic response known as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. People with asthma’s airways are hypersensitive to certain triggers. The allergic reaction causes narrowing of the small airways and leads to "air trapping" (known as an obstructive airway disease)
• There are different types of asthma- childhood onset asthma (usually before the age of 5), adult-onset asthma, exercise-induced asthma and aspirin induced asthma. Some asthma is known as seasonal asthma and occurs only at certain times of the year, usually with the changing of seasons such as during autumn or spring.
• Asthma is diagnosed with lung function tests. A spirometer or a PEFM (Peak Expiratory Flow Meter) is used in conjunction with a bronchodilator. The meter is used to assess your lung function before and after inhaling a fast-acting bronchodilator. A diagnosis of asthma is made when there is an improvement in lung function of more than 20% (PEFM) or more than 12%(when using a spirometer) after the bronchodilator is inhaled.
• Asthma is diagnosed when a patient has suggestive symptoms and a positive bronchodilator test.

Symptoms Treated With LEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergy

The symptoms of allergies are because of a release of a substance called histamines from the immune system.

The symptoms of allergies depend on the type of allergy:

Acute anaphylaxis may be potentially life-threatening. This may present with a red skin rash, swelling of the airways, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse and will lead to death if not treated.

A red itchy skin rash (wheal and flare reaction) is common in food allergies, chemical allergies (e.g. latex allergy), medication allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites.

Food allergies may present with a skin rash, itchy or swollen airways or gastrointestinal upsets.

Allergic rhinitis presents with a runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. Allergic rhinitis is one of the medical conditions that have the worst impact on quality of life.

Eczema usually presents in childhood with a dry, itchy rash, usually affecting the skin over joint surfaces.

What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma

• Symptoms of asthma are typically a wheezy or "tight" chest, shortness of breath and recurrent or persistent coughing that is worse at night and early mornings. Coughing or tight chest are often also present after exercise.
• Exercise-induced asthma typically only produces symptoms after exercise. 

Causes of diseases where LEVOCET M KID TABLET is used

What Are The Causes Of Allergy

Genetics is the biggest link to allergies.

There has recently been much discussion about the increasing prevalence of allergies seen in the developed world. This increase is thought to be attributed to a decreased exposure to allergens and toxins in childhood, because of "over-hygienic" parenting. This is referred to in the media is the "hygiene hypothesis."

Children who are exposed to more bacteria and allergens in childhood have shown to have lower incidences of allergies.

Triggers for allergies are numerous. The common triggers are:

• House dust mites and dust
• Pollen and grass
• Animal dander
• Nuts- especially peanuts
• Milk and soy
• Wheat
• Eggs
• Shellfish and iodine-containing foods
• Medications such as penicillin, sulphonamide
• Chemicals such as latex
• Insect toxins such as bee-stings

What Are The Causes Of Asthma

• Mostly asthma starts in childhood and is often outgrown in early adulthood. Some asthmatics may, however, need treatment lifelong.
• Asthma has a strong genetic component and is part of the so-called "atopic triad" in childhood which includes allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma.
• Early insult to a child's lungs such as neonatal pneumonia or bronchitis may play a role in developing asthma later.
• People with asthma have individual triggers. These triggers are commonly sensitivities to house-dust mites, grass, pollen, animal dander, dairy, wheat, nuts and soy products. Chest infections, cold air or air pollution can also trigger an attack.
• Adult onset starts in the early twenties. There is speculation about possible causes; genetics, smoking and a history of allergies seem to play the biggest part. It affects females more than males.
• Asthma can be caused/ triggered due to any of the following reasons:

                 1. Airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste.

                 2. Respiratory infections such as common cold

                 3. Exercise-induced asthma

                 4. Cold air

                 5. Air pollutants like smoke

                 6. Certain medications including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen  and naproxen

                 7. Strong emotions, stress

                 8. Foods which contain Sulphites and preservatives

                 9. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Asthma is a combination of environmental and genetic factors, as many people live in same conditions. Still, some people get asthma and some don’t.

Best Foods With LEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Best Foods For Allergy

• Green teas contain natural antihistamines, so are good to use in allergies.
• Foods high in vitamin C have shown to reduce the frequency of allergies. These include watermelon, apples, oranges, grapes, and strawberries.
• Food that contains Omega 3 such as salmon, mackerel, almonds, walnuts, avocados, and flaxseeds.
• Vary your diet.

What Are The Best Foods For Asthma

There are certain food items, which are commonly available in every household and are extremely effective in reducing the seriousness of asthma. Some best foods for asthma are given below:

• Garlic: Boiled in water, mixed with honey, it helps in reducing airway contraction.
• Mustard oil: Mix camphor in hot mustard oil and apply in on the chest, back and neck.
• Figs: Soak 3 pieces overnight in water and eat it empty stomach next day.
• Fresh Garlic: 2-3 cloves a day.
• Hot coffee.
• Eucalyptus Oil: It has decongestant properties. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil in the pot of hot boiling water and inhale the steam.
• Honey
• Onions, Apples, carrots, melon, Avocados.
• Flax seeds.

Worst Foods With LEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Worst Foods For Allergy

• If you are allergic to any food substance, avoidance of that particular food is prudent.
• Spicy foods induce a histaminic response. It may worsen your allergy in some cases. Use with discretion.
• Raw fruits and vegetables may sometimes aggravate allergies because of pesticides and pollen. Cooking your vegetables can lower the allergic response related to this.

What Are The Worst Foods For Asthma

• Foods with preservatives added to them
• Wine, beer
• Shrimps
• Pickles
• Eggs (for children, as some children are allergic to eggs)
• Peanuts
• Excessive salt in food
• Oily, fatty foods

Do's With Usage of LEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Allergy

• Screen yourself for your particular allergen triggers through skin prick or blood tests.
• Trigger avoidance is the biggest component of allergy treatment.
• If you suffer from severe allergic reactions, always carry your adrenaline pen with you.
• It would be wise to keep your chronic medications on you, in the case of an acute allergic episode.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have any life-threatening allergies.

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Asthma

• Identify your asthma triggers and avoid them.
• Always cover yourself fully (especially chest, feet and ears) before going out in cold weather.
• Avoid exercises beyond your physical stamina. Do not over exert.
• Always wear pollution mask if you are staying in high pollution area.
• If asthma is hampering your day to day activities, pl. consult your doctor as he might change your medication.
• Wash your bed sheets and pillow covers every week in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
• Reduce stress.·        
• Consult your general practitioner or paediatrician early if your child shows symptoms of asthma.  Asthma can be potentially life-threatening, especially in an acute episode.
• Make sure your asthma is controlled. Follow-up with your doctor six months to review and adjust your treatment is necessary. If your asthma is well controlled, your doctor may consider tapering down your treatment.
• Consider doing an allergy test- blood or skin prick. If you have allergic asthma, it will be helpful to know what the triggers are and how to avoid them

Dont's With Usage Of LEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Allergy

• Don't leave allergies untreated as they have a significant impact on quality of life.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases inflammation in the body and can worsen allergic reactions; this is especially true if you suffer from airway allergies such as allergic rhinitis or asthma.

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Asthma

• Avoid pets.
• Remove carpets and soft toys from the room of your child as these accumulate dust, dust mites which trigger an asthma attack.
• Avoid dampness in the house. Let fresh air come in. Keep all areas of your house dry.
• Do not smoke, avoid being close to people who smoke.
• Avoid burning of incense (Pooja agarbatti) at home, since it triggers an asthma attack.
• Avoid going to kitchen when food is being cooked, especially frying etc.·       
• Do not delay seeking treatment when you suspect to have a chest infection. Because your airways are hyper reactive, an infection can easily trigger an acute asthma attack.
• Do not leave your house without your reliever pump or allow your medication to run out. An acute episode can occur at any time and may be fatal.
• Do not smoke if you have asthma or smoke around your child who has asthma. Passive smoking's effects are just as harmful.

Other Useful Tips With Usage OfLEVOCET M KID TABLET

What Are The Tips For Allergy

Probiotics are useful in food sensitivities to restore intestinal flora balance. An elimination diet may lower inflammation in the body and help reduce allergies. 

What Are The Tips For Asthma

Having a nebuliser at home will be helpful for acute asthmatic episodes.