What's allergic "pink eye" or conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis is the reaction of the eye to these "allergens." The conjunctiva or white of the eye becomes red and there may be swelling of the eyelids. The eyes will have a watery discharge and feel intensely itchy. Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) can occur as a secondary infection. If this occurs, the mucous of the eye will be thick or yellow-green and an antibiotic ointment would be required.
Can allergies make you wheeze or cough?
Very definitely -- yes. Reactive Airway Disease (asthma) is a term that now refers to the irritation of the upper airway all the way down to the lower airways. Although in children, viruses are the most common trigger of the coughs and wheezes that occur, allergies are the next most common cause. The symptoms can be a cough, or a croup-like cough, as well as the better-known symptoms of asthma such as chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
How can I tell an allergy from a cold?
A cold begins with clear mucous from the nose that changes over the next 7-10 days, first thickening and changing to a white, yellow or green color before drying up. There may be fever and other symptoms such as sore throat or cough. An allergy such as hay fever is more constant and lasts longer than the average cold. Another important difference is that patients with hay fever experience itching, which is rare in the simple cold.
Can my baby have allergies?
Although infants can experience food allergies from early infancy, it is rare for an infant or toddler to have seasonal allergies. You have to live through the seasons a few times before your body will react to the pollen. Most children develop seasonal allergies during the school years.
Does my child need to see an allergist?
Although skin testing in older children can provide a parent with a detailed list of the child's allergies, most children do not need to see a specialist. A parent and pediatrician working together and using some simple detective work can usually figure out the source of the allergies or at least the season without skin testing the child. If a child's allergies do not respond to our treatment plan, or are more complicated, a referral will be made.
How can I treat these allergies?
There are several OTC (Over The Counter) products available for allergy treatment and some prescription medicines. All of these medicines contain an antihistamine which directly combats the histamine released by the allergens. It is these histamines which cause the inflammation of the nose, eyes, and lining of the lungs. Unfortunately they also cause the most common side effect: drowsiness. Some sensitive children, however, will actually react in the opposite way and become hyperactive!
What about new antihistamines and prescription medications?
There are so many choices now that it is a good idea to discuss the options with your child’s doctor. The newer types of anti-histamines reportedly cause less drowsiness, but some patients still feel sleepy after taking them. Nasal sprays are another popular medical treatment and can help a great deal without causing many side effects. Prescription eye drops can help with the redness and itching of the eyes.
What about the coughs and wheezes?
Children with reactive airway disease can be treated with a wide variety of medications which include inhaled medications. Children with asthma who wheeze and become short of breath or have difficulty breathing will come to medical attention quickly and treatment plans will be started. The child who coughs or has recurrent bouts of croup as a sign of reactive airway disease usually comes to the doctor after a longer period of time. If you suspect that your child's cough may be a sign of allergies, then the child needs to have a consultation with a doctor.
What else can we do?
Although it's impossible to avoid the air and the allergens in the atmosphere around us, you can limit your child's exposure on the worst days. Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning when available can keep pollen outside. The use of air filters has a questionable benefit, but some patients report good results. Limiting outdoor activities during heavy pollen days is helpful but can limit your child's exercise and social interactions. So remember to immediately have your child change clothes and take a shower after playing outside during these months. Using preventative medications prior to exposure will help minimize the allergy symptoms but still allow your child to engage in his or her normal activities.
About the Author
Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, F.A.A.P., pediatrician, mother and author, has more than 20 years experience answering parents' questions about how to raise their children. She recently launched Simply Parenting, a book and DVD series designed to end parents' anxiety and insecurity and bring parenting back to basics.
