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Health & Wellness

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. 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 then 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