Apr 13, 2016 3 min read

Now that cold and flu season is wrapping up, we can begin to expect that Mother Nature has a new challenge in store for parents: allergies.

Allergies cause many different symptoms from headaches, to runny noses, cough, sore throat, runny eyes and sneezing. Some cause rashes, others loose stool. How can you sort through the different symptoms and when is it time to go to the doctor?

There are many different types of allergies. Drugs, bugs and foods can cause worrisome signs and symptoms; but those pesky environmental allergies can be especially hard to tease out for some families.

Allergies that come from our environment can be broken down in to two main groups: seasonal allergies and perennial allergies. Seasonal allergies can be thought of as occurring only with certain seasons or during certain times of the year. This mostly includes the pollens of trees, grasses and weeds. Perennial allergies are around all year long. They are the things found in most people’s homes: dust mites, dog or cat dander or different molds. Most of these types of allergies do not clearly develop before the age of 3, although this topic is controversial.

Sometimes the signs and symptoms of allergies are easy to point out. Runny eyes and sneezing or sniffles are the most common reactions to environmental allergies. However, some children present with less specific signs and symptoms. Perhaps frequent headaches, strange rashes or loose stools are bothering your child. When the presentation is not straightforward, see your doctor. Allergies do not usually present with fever, and this can be a telltale sign that your child probably has an infection rather than an allergy.

Some allergies require blood testing to diagnose, and others simply resolve with over-the-counter treatments. Some examples of over the counter treatments for allergies are oral antihistamines, nasal steroids or antihistamine eye drops. Be sure to read all over-the-counter medication labels and follow the directions. Always consult with your doctor before starting new medicines on young children.

There are things you can do to help prevent allergies that don’t necessarily include medicines, or sometimes help medicines work better. Decreasing how much your child is around the allergen will help decrease symptoms. This might mean shutting windows and using central air if you have it, using dust-mite-proof mattress covers and washing all linens in very hot water once weekly. Be sure to bathe children who have allergies after returning inside from playing outside.

There are some allergies that present life-threatening reactions called anaphylactic reactions. These are composed of two or more of the following: rash, severe irritability or change in mental status, vomiting, wheezing and coughing or swelling of the mucus membranes (lips, tongue or tonsils). Foods and insect venoms are the most common triggers for these types of reactions. If your doctor has prescribed emergency epinepherine as a rescue medication, remember to keep it accessible in case of emergency. If you note any of the above symptoms without injectable epinepherine on hand, be sure to call 911 right away. Remember, anaphylaxis can occur regardless of previous exposure.

Whatever the reaction, allergies can be frustrating for both provider and parent.

Watch for symptoms, treat what you can, and consult your doctor for the rest. Hopefully Spring has sprung!

Dr. Patrick Tate is part of the Children’s Community Pediatrics-South Hills Pediatrics Associates practice, which offers care in several offices including Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, and now the Mon Valley area with a location at 100 Stoops Drive in Monongahela. The office can be reached at 724-483-2040.