It seems that asthma medicines have been in the news a lot the past few years. You might be wondering just how safe it really is to take your asthma medicine? Wondering if the risks outweigh the benefits of Advair, Singlulair or others?

Believe me, I don't blame you. The United States' system of approving medicines via the FDA before they go on the market is one of the most restrictive in the world. Indeed, many medications yet to gain approval here have been used successfully for years in Europe.

It's surprising, then, that so many problems crop up after drugs get on to the market here, isn't it?

So what IS the truth about your asthma drugs? What do black box warnings really mean? The answers to those questions can be found in a new article here on Black Box Warnings for Asthma Medications.

If your child has any type of allergies or asthma, then anaphylaxis at school is a possiblity, even if it has never happened before. Unfortunately, anaphylaxis is often mistaken for asthma in its early stages. The truth may not be recognized until it is too late. So, sending your allergic or asthmatic child off to school can be worrisome, at best.

The good news is that schools and their staff are becoming more aware of anaphylaxis, how to recognize it and how to respond quickly. But, as a parent, there is much that you can do too.

1. First, work to make school a safer, more child-friendly place by minimizing allergic triggers in the environment.
2. Second, get the facts about managing anaphylaxis at school.
3. Finally, know your child's rights to carry allergy and asthma medicine that may save his or her life.