Breathing easy: Managing seasonal allergies in kids with asthma
Parkland Health pediatrician offers tips for avoiding asthma triggers this spring
Spring has arrived, bringing with it more sunshine, warmer weather and those unpleasant allergy symptoms. If you’re one of many North Texans suffering and sniffling through this season, a Parkland Health expert has some tips to help you find some relief.
Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens in the environment such as pollen, mold and dust mites. For children with asthma, this immune response can lead to increased inflammation in the airways, making it harder for them to breathe and potentially leading to asthma attacks.
“Seasonal allergies can trigger that immune response, it can start with just a runny nose, conjunctivitis and then a cough that can lead to an asthma attack,” said Cesar Termulo, MD, Associate Medical Director for Parkland’s network of Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers.
Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Red or watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears or throat
Common symptoms of allergy-induced asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)
Dallas ranks 13th among the top 20 most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). While it is nearly impossible to avoid seasonal allergies completely, there are some steps parents can take to help alleviate symptoms and keep their child’s asthma under control.
Stay indoors during peak pollen hours: Pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning and late afternoon.
Keeping children indoors during these times can help reduce exposure.
Keep windows closed: Keeping windows closed, especially at night when pollen counts tend to rise, can help limit exposure.
Monitor air quality: Keep an eye on local air quality and pollen counts to help plan your day. Most weather apps or websites offer pollen alerts, so you can be aware of days when your child’s asthma triggers might be more frequent.
Follow your child’s asthma action plan: If your child has a prescribed asthma action plan, be sure to follow it, especially during allergy season. “For children who have asthma and experience seasonal allergies, it’s important to keep track of the symptoms that they have and match it to their asthma action plan, so you know when to use their medications, including their rescue inhaler, as needed,” Dr. Termulo said.
Consider allergy treatments: For some children, allergy medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays or even allergy eye drops can help reduce asthma triggers. “Antihistamines often need to be used throughout the entire season to make sure your allergies stay under control,” Dr. Termulo said. “Consult with your child’s doctor to make sure they are taking the right medication at the right dose.”
If your child’s asthma symptoms worsen or if they experience more frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, it’s especially important to talk to your pediatrician.
“As the spring gets underway, we continue to see allergies trigger asthma attacks for children, so it’s very important to follow your child’s asthma action plan and reach out to your doctor if they have any symptoms of a worsening cough, or a cough that is persistent at night,” said Dr. Termulo.
While seasonal allergies can present a challenge for families with loved-one who have asthma, there are ways to minimize symptoms and ensure your child stays healthy and breathing comfortably. By staying informed, following an asthma action plan and staying in touch with your pediatrician, you can make allergy season a little easier for your child.
For more information on pediatric asthma please visit www.parklandhealth.org/asthma-in-children. To find out about services at Parkland, go to www.parklandhealth.org.
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