Jennifer Steel CPNP | April 2021| Pediatrics
Can you tell the difference?
Hay fever (environmental allergies) and cold symptoms can be identical! They can also occur at the same times of the year making it difficult to know if your child is sick or suffering from allergies.
There is a big difference, however, in treatment, progression and recovery.
Colds are caused by viruses that are easily passed around by children. Headaches, runny nose, sore throat and painful ears are symptoms commonly seen in children and adults a-like.
Allergy symptoms mirror that of colds, the difference is how long those symptoms last! Colds generally follow the 10-14 day rule, 6-7 days of symptoms peaking and by the 10-11th day most symptoms are gone. Occasionally dry coughs can linger for up to 3 weeks.
Hay fever symptoms, generally start out slow and continue to worsen over a period of weeks. You may feel that your child is always sick, always has a runny nose or can’t get rid of “that” cough.
If a “pause” between symptoms does not occur more then likely your child is suffering with allergies. A “pause” is a day or maybe even weeks without symptoms (runny nose, cough, watery eyes, etc.)
In WASHINGTON, we have 4 seasons that can be brutal to those with allergies. I know because I am one of its victims! Some are only affected during 1 or 2 seasons. Some are affected by all four, like me.
Many treat symptoms when they are at their worst. Unfortunately, by this time their body is in a hyper responsive state and they may not respond to standard doses of allergy medications also referred to as antihistamines.
In order to effectively treat and reduce symptoms it is important to know what season(s) your child is triggered by (fall, winter, spring or summer) and starting a daily dose of (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra or the like) 10-14 days before that season starts and through the end of that season. As mentioned above, antihistamines may need to be given during more than one season and sometimes even all year. In doing so you will help lesson symptoms and prevent co-occurring infections (ear infection, sinus infection, and lung infections). If your child also suffers with Asthma, by preventing the hyper-responsive cascade you may also reduce Asthma exacerbations or their need for Albuterol. This is especially true if pollens, change of weather etc. are triggers for your child’s asthma.
Many turn to Benadryl for relief. It, however, should only be used for a short term (approximately 3 days) and not as a daily reliever. Benadryl tends to stop working with long term use.
Before starting any medications, you should consult with your medical provider to review your symptoms, possible causes, treatment options, and allergies. This includes all over the counter (OTC) medications.
If your child is reactive to multiple allergens, they may need more than one type of allergy medication to help combat the hyper response. You should visit your pediatrician for evaluation and treatment options best for your child.
Call or schedule and appointment online today if you have further questions or would like to discuss the above.
https://www.t-townpediatrics.org/
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