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Allergy and Asthma are the most frequent causes of school and work absenteeism
Allergy and Asthma are the most frequent causes of school and work absenteeism
By: Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, Northeast Pediatrics
Allergies are a common problem among children and adults. More than 5 million
children have allergy symptoms and more than 2 million school days are missed a
year due to allergy symptoms!
What causes allergies is a very good question. A family history is the single
most important factor - a child has about a 50% risk of allergies if one parent
has allergies and almost 70% if both parents have it. Allergies occur when a
child is exposed to an allergen. An allergen is a substance that normally is
harmless but causes the immune system to go into overdrive in those who are
allergic. It triggers an immune response in the body. Allergies can present as
asthma, hay fever, eczema, hives, food allergies, or contact dermatitis. Common
allergens include dust mites, pollen, foods, animal dander, mold, or chemicals.
Why should you suspect your child has allergies? Here are a few clues: cold like
symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks and occurring the same time every year,
sniffing or itchy nose, itching or clearing of the throat, chronic cough or
wheezing, red itchy eyes, or skin reactions. It is important to know the
difference between colds and allergies. Allergies are not associated with fevers
and the sneezing is usually harsh and repetitive.
What should you do if your child has any of the above symptoms? Even though
there are over the counter antihistamines, you should talk to you pediatrician
first. Your doctor may want to try prevention or antihistamines, or referral to
the allergist, or further allergy testing.
There are many ways to prevent allergens. Of course, food allergies involve
avoidance of the food. Eliminating the food allergen from the diet and then
possibly challenging the child with the food at a later point (depending on the
food).
For dust mite allergies, padded furnishings like mattresses and pillows should
have allergen proof zip up covers. Linens should be washed once a week, and
other beddings every 2-3 weeks in the hot cycle to kill the dust mites. Pillows
should be changed every 2-3 years. You should also minimize the number of
stuffed animal in the child’s bedroom. Minimize carpets in the house or vacuum
1-2 times a week with your child out of the room. Also try to keep the home
humidity below 50% to decrease dust mite growth.
Mold occurs in spring and late summer especially around dead vegetations. This
means the child should not play in piles on dead leaves in the fall!! Also avoid
indoor mold by not playing in damp basements or garages. Also make sure you do
not have leaky faucets or pipes.
To avoid animal dander allergy, consider having outside pets or keeping pets out
of child’s room, Vacuum more frequently the rooms where the pet lives, and wash
pets weekly.
Air purifiers or HEPA filters can help capture airborne allergens only in
certain situations- the child is allergic to an airborne allergen, the allergen
is present in the home, and there is not so much of the allergen in the house to
clog the filter. For example, it does not help with dust mites because dust is
too heavy to remain airborne.
Allergy symptoms can affect a child’s energy level, attention span, cognitive
functioning, and physical activity. Therefore, the goal is prevention and
symptom control. Therefore, look for clues of allergies in your child and
address them with your physician.
Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, a Board Certified Pediatrician and active member of the
American Academy of Pediatrics, graduated from the University of Miami six year
Honors Program in Medicine. If you have questions about this article or your
child email Dr. Bhumi at drbhumi@northeastkids.com. We are accepting new
patients please call to get to know the doctor 526-PEDS or visit
http://www.northeastkids.com.
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