Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in children? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects approximately 6 million children in the United States. Poorly controlled and undiagnosed asthma in young kids can result in trips to the emergency room, hospital stays, missed workdays for parents and suffering that many young kids can’t express.
There are many ways an allergist can help. The goal is for your child to feel well and live a healthy and active life. With the care of an allergist, there is no reason your child can’t do everything they want and be as active as they choose.
Not all children have the same asthma symptoms. A child may even have different symptoms from one episode to the next. Signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:
A cough that doesn’t go away (which may be the only symptom)
Coughing spells that happen often, especially during play or exercise, at night, in cold air, or while laughing or crying
A cough that gets worse after a viral infection
Less energy during play, and stopping to catch their breath during activities
Avoiding sports or social activities
Trouble sleeping because of coughing or breathing problems
Rapid breathing
Chest tightness or pain
Wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing in or out
Seesaw motions in their chest (retractions)
Shortness of breath
Tight neck and chest muscles
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble eating, or grunting while eating (in infants)
Tell your child’s pediatrician if anyone in your family has asthma or allergies because both tend to run in families. If another family member has asthma or allergies, it’s more likely that your child will have them.
Asthma is typically diagnosed through a medical exam and a test that measures airflow in and out of the lungs. Diagnosing kids presents unique challenges, especially when they are very young. Children who are preschool age or younger may not be able to complete the airflow test, which requires blowing very hard into a tube. And infants and toddlers can’t describe how they feel. This makes it especially important for parents, other family members and caregivers to know the signs of asthma in kids and to be alert for symptoms.
Your allergist may perform skin or blood tests to see whether your child has allergies that can trigger asthma symptoms. These tests can be done at any age. Your allergist may also prescribe one or more asthma medicines. If your child gets better while taking the medicine, that can be a sign that your child’s symptoms are due to asthma.
No parent wants to see their child suffer. If your son or daughter is struggling with allergies or asthma, take control of the situation and consult an allergist today.
An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander.
Your immune system’s job is to keep you healthy by fighting harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it thinks could put your body in danger. Depending on the allergen, this response may involve inflammation, sneezing, or a host of other symptoms.
Your immune system normally adjusts to your environment. For example, when your body encounters something like pet dander, it should realize it’s harmless. In people with dander allergies, the immune system perceives it as an outside invader threatening the body and attacks it.
Allergies are common. Several treatments can help you avoid your symptoms.
The symptoms you experience because of allergies are the result of several factors. These include the type of allergy you have and how severe the allergy is.
If you take any medication before an anticipated allergic response, you may still experience some of these symptoms, but they may be reduced.
Food allergies can trigger swelling, hives, nausea, fatigue, and more. It may take a while for a person to realize that they have a food allergy. If you have a serious reaction after a meal and you’re not sure why, see a medical professional immediately. They can find the exact cause of your reaction or refer you to a specialist.
Hay fever symptoms can mimic those of a cold. They include congestion, runny nose, and swollen eyes. Most of the time, you can manage these symptoms at home using over-the-counter treatments. See your doctor if your symptoms become unmanageable.
Severe allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms after coming in contact with a possible allergen, seek medical help immediately.
Everyone’s signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are different. Read more about allergy symptoms and what might cause them.
Skin allergies may be a sign or symptom of an allergy. They may also be the direct result of exposure to an allergen.
For example, eating a food you’re allergic to can cause several symptoms. You may experience tingling in your mouth and throat. You may also develop a rash.
Contact dermatitis, however, is the result of your skin coming into direct contact with an allergen. This could happen if you touch something you’re allergic to, such as a cleaning product or plant.
Types of skin allergies include:
Rashes. Areas of skin are irritated, red, or swollen, and can be painful or itchy.
Eczema. Patches of skin become inflamed and can itch and bleed.
Contact dermatitis. Red, itchy patches of skin develop almost immediately after contact with an allergen.
Sore throat. Pharynx or throat is irritated or inflamed.
Hives. Red, itchy, and raised welts of various sizes and shapes develop on the surface of the skin.
Swollen eyes. Eyes may be watery or itchy and look “puffy.”
Itching. There’s irritation or inflammation in the skin.
Burning. Skin inflammation leads to discomfort and stinging sensations on the skin.
