If your child needs a doctor,
visit
or
call ValleyCare Medical Foundation
Pediatrics
925-416-6767
.
Yatin Shah, MD,
is
a board-certi ed
pediatrician a liated
with ValleyCare
Medical Foundation.
To make an
appointment, please
call
925-416-6767
.
BY YATIN SHAH, MD
A
h-choo!” It’s your daughter’s
third sneezing t of the
morning, and as you hand her
another tissue, you wonder if these
coldlike symptoms—the sneezing,
congestion and runny nose—mean a
cold coming on or if it’s allergies. If she
gets similar symptoms at the same time
every year, you’re likely right: Seasonal
allergies are at work.
Seasonal allergies, sometimes called
hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis,
are allergy symptoms that occur during
certain times of the year, usually when
outdoor molds and mildew release their
spores, and trees, grasses and weeds
release tiny pollen particles into the air
to fertilize other plants.
The immune systems of people
who are allergic to mold spores or
pollen treat these particles (called
allergens) as invaders and release
chemicals, including histamine, into
the bloodstream to defend against
them. It’s the release of these
chemicals that causes allergy
symptoms. More than 20 percent
of Americans have allergies.
Even kids who have never had
seasonal allergies in years past can
develop them. Seasonal allergies can
start at almost any time, though they
usually develop by 10 years of age
Allergies
If reducing exposure is ine ective,
medicines can help ease allergy
symptoms. These may include
decongestants, antihistamines and nasal
spray steroids.
If symptoms become severe or cannot
be managed with medicines, the doctor
may recommend taking your child to
an allergist or immunologist for allergy
testing and/or regular allergy shots.
If allergies have led to asthma, it is
essential for your child to see a doctor.
“
and reach their peak in the
early 20s, with symptoms
often disappearing later in
adulthood.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
If your child develops a “cold”
at the same time every year,
seasonal allergies might be
to blame. Allergy symptoms,
which usually come on
suddenly and last as long
as a person is exposed
to a particular allergen,
can include:
w
Sneezing
w
Itchy nose and/or throat
w
Nasal congestion
w
Clear, runny nose
w
Coughing
These symptoms often come
with itchy, watery and/or red
eyes. If your child has wheezing
and shortness of breath in addition
to these symptoms, the allergy
may have progressed into asthma.
TREATMENT
There is no real cure for seasonal
allergies, but it is possible to relieve
symptoms. Start by reducing or
eliminating exposure to allergens.
w
Keep indoor allergens in check with
frequent dusting and mopping.
w
Rake up fallen leaves and cut grass to
reduce mold and mildew.
w
Change bed linens weekly to keep dust
mites and pet dander down.
w
Have your child wash his/her hands
or shower and change clothing after
playing outside.
w
Try saline solution for nasal congestion.
ValleyCare.com/maternity | Winter 2014
