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Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, congestion and itching - the signs of springtime are around us all. Some people look forward to the buds on the trees and the blooming flowers while others dread nature's wakeup call. Some of the most annoying and prevalent seasonal symptoms are those of nasal allergy, allergic dermatitis and asthma. Nearly 50 million people suffer allergic symptoms while more than 17 million people have been diagnosed with asthma. Approximately 16 million office visits to health-care providers each year are attributed to nasal allergy. Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases, particularly in infants and children. The estimated prevalence in the United States is nearly 10 percent. The increase in people affected by allergic disease may be due to a heightened awareness by people and health-care providers of the signs and symptoms as well as new and improved treatment options. Nasal allergy often begins to bother people in the spring when the pollen count increases as flowers and trees are budding and pollinating. Symptoms often include itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and congestion. Nasal discharge is usually present and is usually, but not always, clear. Green nasal discharge may be a symptom of infection but may just indicate allergy. Although a large percentage of nasal allergy is seasonal, environmental triggers such as dust mites, animal dander and molds may produce year-round symptoms. What can be done for the symptoms? Avoidance of the trigger remains No. 1 on the list of treatment options. There are ways to reduce dust in the air and animal dander, but preventing trees and plants from pollinating presents a more difficult dilemma. Moving to different climates can help initially with symptoms returning in a year or two as the body sensitizes itself to new allergens. Living in a bubble in a completely pure environment may be an option, although not very practical. In any event, treatment of nasal allergy should not be taken lightly. Safe, non-drowsy antihistamines and nasal sprays have revolutionized the treatment options. Nasal allergy and its triggers are often the same triggers for chronic skin disease and asthma. Treatment of one may directly affect the significance of the others to a child's well-being. Asthma defined Asthma is a condition that causes airway inflammation and bronchospasm and can be intermittent or persistent (chronic). One of the most important preventive measures in the long-term effects of asthma is early diagnosis. Early diagnosis can avoid airway thickening and chronic lung disease. Symptoms of asthma include chronic cough and/or wheezing. Not all asthmatics wheeze! The most common symptom is cough associated with a variety of triggers such as exercise, nighttime air and specific allergens. Depending on the age of the child, certain tests of breathing function can be performed to document the presence of asthma. Anti-inflammatory medications as well as airway muscle relaxants can keep asthma under control. Avoiding the triggers and cleaning up the environment can be very helpful. HEPA filters can clean the air in a child's room, decreasing the allergen load and decreasing asthma symptoms. Skin conditions Allergic dermatitis is often triggered by the same allergens that trigger asthma. These skin conditions are often itchy and scaly. Eczema is a type of allergic dermatitis that is associated with nasal allergies and asthma. Moisturizers and topical cortisone have been the mainstay of treatment for eczema. Newer and safer medications such as protopic and elidel have provided options for the eczema treatment, especially in the young child. Taking care of allergy symptoms can make your life and your child's life happier and healthier. If you think your child may have nasal allergy, eczema or asthma, discuss it with your doctor. Keep a paper log of your child's symptoms. Videotape can be very helpful to the physician in making a diagnosis. If your child is diagnosed with an allergic disease, read and learn about it. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation can be helpful sources of information. Most importantly, do not deny that your child has developed symptoms. Don't be afraid of the label. Once a child is diagnosed, many treatment options are available. Knowledge is one of your greatest allies in the fight against allergy and asthma. Dr. Clyde Wesp is a pediatrician with Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates with offices in Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch and is affiliated with Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Mission Hospital and Children's Hospital of Orange County. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Memorial Care Physician Society. If you have any questions or comments for Dr. Wesp, you can e-mail him at askdrwesp@netscape.net. |
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