Your Child's Health - Archive

Also in this issue: Video: Potty Training More Thin Kids Say They Are Overweight Focusing Too Much on One Sport Risks Injury Getting a Good Night’s Rest Drop That Swab: New Guidelines Introduced for Earwax Removal NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Spring is Coming and So Is Allergy Season Learn your child’s triggers and how to avoid them Springtime brings budding flowers and trees, green leaves — and allergies. In North Texas, tree pollen is rampant in early spring, and grass pollen is common in late spring. Spring also is the rainiest season in North Texas, which can be a mixed blessing for children with allergies. Rain causes mold growth, but also carries away pollen, which hangs in the air when it’s dry. Parents often don’t know that their children are allergic to these triggers. “Allergy symptoms can often be mistaken for a cold or upper respiratory infection caused by viruses,” says Dr. Indulekha Warrier, a physician in the Allergy and Immunology Department at Children’s Medical Center and assistant professor, Allergy & Immunology, at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “If your child is sneezing and has a runny nose, watery eyes and/or itchy nose or eyes for more than eight to 10 days and does not have a fever, then you should suspect allergies as the cause.”  A common and treatable condition Roughly one person in four has some kind of allergy, which may be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by outdoor allergens; perennial allergies are due to indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and indoor mold.  In some children, allergy symptoms can appear before their first birthday. They can vary from mild to severe and lead to sleep disturbances and fatigue. Parents should consult a physician when these symptoms interfere with the child’s normal activities.  Controlling symptoms Primary care physicians can diagnose and treat allergies, but a specialist will be necessary if symptoms are difficult to control or if your child has other conditions, such as asthma, food allergies or eczema. Allergists can identify the specific cause of the problem through skin tests and create a treatment plan specifically for your child. Once you know the cause, you can modify your home environment to minimize your child’s exposure to triggers. Many medications are available to treat allergies. The newest generation of antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, and nasal sprays that control inflammation, are safe for children as young as 6 months old. In the highly allergic child, allergy shots work well for those sensitive to dust mites and pollens. Doctors usually wait until a child is 4 to 5 years old before trying such shots. Resources Learn how to help your child breathe easier with this interactive home tour and quiz. Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Last reviewed: March 2009		Find a Doctor Find a Speciality & Service Request an Appointment Support Children's About Children's childrens.com
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