Christina Propst MD

Breathing comfortably throughout the day can be difficult when allergy triggers are part of your environment. Many common allergens go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with airflow, energy levels , and overall wellness. Reducing these triggers is an effective way to create a more breathable, supportive space for everyday life. By identifying where allergens come from and how they affect the respiratory system, you can make informed choices that reduce irritation. Even small adjustments to routines and surroundings can lead to noticeable improvements in breathing and long-term comfort. What Allergy Triggers Are and Where They Come From Allergy triggers are substances that trigger the immune system to mount a defensive response, leading to inflammation and irritation. Common triggers include dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and airborne pollutants that circulate both indoors and outdoors. These particles are often invisible, making them easy to overlook. Once inhaled, ...

Managing allergies and asthma can feel challenging, but small changes can make a big difference in how well you breathe each day. These conditions are common, and many people learn to control them with simple habits and wise choices. In this article, you will learn straightforward and easy ways to improve your breathing, avoid triggers, and support a healthier lifestyle. The main SEO keyword, managing allergies and asthma, appears naturally throughout to support strong search performance. How Allergies and Asthma Affect Your Breathing Allergies and asthma both affect the airways, making breathing harder when triggered. When you have an allergy, your body reacts to something harmless like pollen or dust. It treats the trigger as a threat, leading to swelling or irritation. Asthma causes the muscles around your airways to tighten, which limits airflow. These reactions can occur simultaneously . This is why managing allergies and asthma requires paying attention to what triggers your s...

Gun violence continues to pose a serious threat to the health and safety of children across the United States. Whether through unintentional shootings, assaults, or self-inflicted injuries, firearms have become one of the leading causes of death among young people. This troubling reality underscores the importance of collective action and evidence-based strategies. Preventing pediatric firearm injuries requires focusing not only on the immediate causes of violence but also on the larger social structures that place children at risk. The Rising Impact of Firearms on Children Over the past decade, pediatric firearm injuries have increased at an alarming rate. Hospitals report more young patients requiring emergency treatment for gunshot wounds, many of which lead to lifelong disabilities. Unfortunately, even children who survive these injuries often face significant medical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Their families, too, experience trauma that can disrupt work, schooling,...

Every child deserves to grow, learn, and explore in an environment that nurtures curiosity without unnecessary risk. Yet across the United States, preventable injuries remain one of the leading causes of death and disability among children. Falls, drowning, burns, poisonings, and motor vehicle accidents claim thousands of young lives each year—and leave countless others with lasting trauma. In this context, anticipatory guidance stands as a cornerstone of pediatric care. It empowers families through education, helping them foresee potential dangers and make informed decisions that protect children’s health and safety. Defining Anticipatory Guidance and Its Purpose Anticipatory guidance refers to the proactive counseling that healthcare providers give to parents and caregivers during routine visits. Its goal is to prepare families for the physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that come with each developmental stage—and to prevent injuries before they occur. Rather than reacting t...