AHHHHHCHOOO!

Fall is the start of the allergy season. Here are a few tips to help your kids cope with allergy symptoms in the coming weeks.

WHEN TO SUSPECT AN ALLERGY
Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle, and may masquerade as other conditions. Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy.

• Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the skin, wrists, and ankles.
• Repeated or chronic coldlike symptoms - that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year. These could include a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and throat clearing.
• Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing and itchy, runny eyes.
• Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat. Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold, but it is the hallmark of an allergy problem.
• Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms.
• Coughing may be an isolated symptom; increases at night or with exercise are suspicious for asthma.
  

COMMON ALLERGENS ON THE HOME FRONT

• Dust (contains dust mites and finely ground particles from other allergens such as pollen, mold and animal dander).
• Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds).
• Fungi (including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye).
• Furry animals (cats, dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, and other pets).
• Latex (household articles such as rubber gloves and toys, balloons).
• Foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat and fish.

HOW TO MANAGE ALLERGIC NASAL SYMPTOMS
Many children are allergic to pollen and mold, both of which are found everywhere outdoors and cannot be completely avoided.

It's helpful to use air conditioners, where possible, to reduce exposure to pollen in both your home and your car. Molds are present in the spring and late summer, particularly around areas of decaying vegetation. Children with allergies to molds should avoid playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall.

Dust mites congregate where food for them (human skin scales) is plentiful. They are especially numerous in upholstered furniture, bedding and rugs. Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers, which are available through catalogs and specialized retailers. Wash linens weekly, and other bedding such as blankets, every 2 to 3 weeks in hot water. Pillows should be replaced every 2 to 3 years.

COMMON TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA

• Allergies – Molds, Pollen, Dust Mites, Cockroaches, Animals (especially cats and dogs)
• Tobacco Smoke
• Infections – Viral respiratory infections, including colds, sinus infections
• Outdoor Air Pollution
  
• Indoor Air Pollution – Aerosol sprays, Cooking Fumes, Odors, Smoke (wood fires, wood-burning stoves)
• Exercise
  

© 2006 - American Academy of Pediatrics Abstracted from the American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Allergies and Asthma. •

Anna Suray, MD, is the CEO and Managing Physician at First Steps Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, PLLC, a private pediatric practice with locations in Robinson Twp, PA and Weirton, WV. Dr. Anna, as she is know by most patients, is Board Certified in Pediatrics, a 1991 graduate of Marshall University School of Medicine and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Suray has been practicing pediatric and adolescent medicine since 1996 and is presently on staff at Ohio Valley General Hospital, Sewickley Valley Hospital and Weirton Medical Center. Dr. Suray also serves as the Health Officer of Hancock County, West Virginia.
For more pediatric information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Anna at 412-788-1999, or visit www.fspkids.com