ALLERGIES

Sniffing.  Sneezing.  Dripping.  Throat-clearing.  Scratching.  Coughing.  Wheezing.  Snoring.  The sounds of spring announce the official start of allergy season.  Children, as early as three years old, are particularly prone to developing symptoms suggestive of allergies.  Most conditions develop during the spring, summer, and fall months, giving rise to the more global term “seasonal allergies.”

Allergies typically consist of symptoms—caused by the immune system’s response to airborne allergens—affecting the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, and airways.  Once a child is exposed to an allergen (for example:  tree and grass pollen in the spring; and ragweed in the fall), changes occur in the cells that line the respiratory tract.  These cells, upon re-exposure to an allergen, release histamine and other chemicals which cause blood vessels to quickly dilate leading to swelling of tissue and mucus production.  Other chemicals produce more chronic symptoms.

Nasal congestion, sneezing, “drippy nose”, “scratchy throat”, itchiness, cough, and conjunctivitis (pink eye) are all common symptoms which can lead to secondary sinus infections, eye and ear infections, snoring, and a host of more severe conditions.  Any parent, who has spent sleepless nights listening to their child produce sounds which are often heard only in a barn-yard, knows the impact that allergies can have.  Sleeping difficulties, susceptibility to more severe infections, and poor school and athletic performance are only the beginning.

Skin tests and blood tests are often used to determine the cause or source of the allergies.  However, treatment is based primarily on the recognition of symptoms.   What can we do to alleviate our children’s suffering and our own sleeplessness?  Shut the windows and turn on the air-conditioner?  Dope them up with benadryl?  These strategies may not be far from the truth.  Much of what physicians recommend is based on the child’s age, severity of symptoms, specific allergens, and medical history.  General measures include environmental control:  eliminating rugs and drapes in bedrooms, applying plastic covers to mattresses, frequent cleaning of bedspreads and sheets, removing stuffed animals from the bed, keeping windows closed, and using a HEPA filter in the home’s ventilation system.  Medication may also be used to help reduce allergy symptoms and the body’s immune response to specific allergens.  Anti-histamines, saline and medicated nasal sprays, eye-drops, and even steroids are used to control symptoms.   While many of these medications are available without a prescription, they may have significant side-effects which you should discuss with your child’s physician.  Prescription medications are also available for children whose symptoms persist.  Allergists may also offer desensitization injections (“allergy shots”) for the most severely affected.

While seasonal allergies can have significant consequences, they are generally easy to treat.  Additionally, parents will be relieved to know that most allergies improve over time.  A final note:  Spring is the most anticipated season of the year.  Help your child enjoy it by recognizing and treating his or her allergy symptoms.  Gesundheit!