Allergies and Asthma in Grade-schoolers
Symptoms and relief for asthma, food allergies and seasonal allergies.
By: Gregory Germain, MD
Food and Seasonal Allergies
Allergies are troublesome, but fairly benign—except for severe allergies to foods such as peanuts and shellfish. Chances are that if am child is allergic to a certain food, he will stay away from it. (Younger kids need to be taught to ask if food they're given contains it.) Most food allergies cause a minor rash or stomach upset. If your child does have a severe allergy he should carry an EpiPen which administers the proper dose of epinephrine to halt or slow the allergic reaction until he can get help.
Seasonal allergies, while annoying, can be well-controlled with a non-drowsy, over-the-counter medicine. But talk to your child’s doctor before giving him any chronic medication.
Understanding Asthma
Asthma, a hypersensitivity of the bronchial tubes that carry air throughout the lungs, is a major public health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), asthma accounts for 14 million lost days of school annually and is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization of children under 15 years of age.
Diagnosing Asthma: If your child has not been diagnosed but you suspect that he has asthma, take him to his doctor for a thorough physical. Asthma attacks can be frightening for both kids and their parents, and if asthma goes untreated it often gets worse. Symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing, wheezing, increased respiration, shortness of breath and pale skin color.
Treating Asthma: While there are no cures for asthma, children with the disease can lead “normal” lives by taking medication and avoiding contact with triggers such as viruses (like the flu), known food triggers, seasonal allergens, cockroaches, dust mites, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke and certain chemicals.
If your child has been diagnosed, you already know the drill and just need to keep on his case to use his controller meds. In addition to using the rescue med, or inhaler, when he feels symptoms, it is also a good idea for your child to use it about 20 minutes before exercise.
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