AboutTina Expertise I can help on all aspects of the condition, treatment, support. I cannot diagnose but only give my personal expertise, and refer you to others who can help. I am in touch with doctors, therapists, and professionals on a regular basis. I can help with disability issues pertaining to lymphedema or cancer.
Experience 13 year cancer survivor, Lymphland Support group owner, Owner of Lymphland.com website, writer for Butterfly Gazette, forums coordinator for ELymphNotes online lymphedema magazine, patient and advocate for 10 years, Yahoo answers advanced level answerer.
Organizations Lymphland Support Group Owner, Lymphland.com website owner, National Lymphedema Network member, American Society of Lymphology member, ELymphNotes forums coordinator and writer, member of many online support groups. Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Counselor, former bank loan rep, pharmacy ass't
Education/Credentials college graduate, volunteer in pet loss grief counselling.
Expert: Tina Date: 1/30/2008 Subject: fist disease
Question My 3 1/2 year old daughter was just diagnosed with fist disease. She has the red cheeks, but no rash....yet. It came with a cold which my doctor said led to the asthma, ear infection and sinus infection. How does fist disease affect the respiratory system? I thought it was just a rash. She is now on a nebulizer for the first time to treat the asthma she has, but has never had before. I don't see how these things are related. Any ideas?
Answer Greetings Kelly,
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19, it's a virus and behaves similar to a cold. It spreads easily from one person to another in body fluids from sneezing, coughs so be sure to wash your hands well if you have other children so you don't spread it to them. The virus can cause infections such as the ear infection and sinus infection she has. The rash usually comes at a later point and at that point, she should not be contagious anymore.
The parvovirus is not the same as the kind animals get. The asthma symptoms she has could be from an upper respiratory infection from the sinus drip. The parvovirus can turn into bronchitis or pneumonia as well. If she's prone to respiratory problems or has allergies then it could bring on asthma. Hopefully the asthma symptoms will clear up when the virus and infections do.
