May is national asthma and allergies awareness month. The topic of allergies needs no introduction to anyone living in Mississippi, as we are known to be one of the highest areas in the world for seasonal allergies. Asthma may be less familiar to many people but it is still a big problem in our state and affects children and adults of all ages.
Seasonal allergies can be caused by any number of different irritants in the environment, such as grasses, trees, weeds, and other pollens. Many people have mild allergy symptoms like runny nose or congestion, but others experience more significant symptoms including coughing, sneezing, or even hives. Most allergy symptoms can be controlled with over-thecounter antihistamine medications (some commonly recognized brands include Zyrtec or Claritin). Sometimes nasal sprays or other medications are also used to help control problems induced by allergies. If symptoms are persistent or severe enough, allergy shots may be a definitive treatment for some sufferers.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and affects an estimated 5 million children in the U.S. Symptoms of asthma include cough, chest tightness, or wheezing. Many children experience wheezing or significant “coughing fits” with respiratory illnesses (most famously, RSV), and thankfully these children often get better as they age and do not grow up to have chronic asthma. For some children, though, they continue to have persistent symptoms as they get older and require medicines to treat their asthma such as inhalers or nebulized breathing treatments. Asthma is also a significant cause of hospitalization for children and puts kids at more risk when they have infections from illnesses such as the flu. It
is important that children with asthma get their annual flu shot and keep regular appointments with their pediatrician (and if applicable, asthma specialist).
Allergies and asthma affect millions of children and are significant causes of children missing school, having doctor’s visits, and hospitalization. Thankfully, symptoms of these diseases can be lessened with proper treatment, and medications can even help reverse damage and prevent future flares. If you are concerned about your child having symptoms of allergies or
asthma, please call our clinic (601-362-8776) or click online (childrensmedicalgroup.net) for an appointment today to discuss these topics with your pediatrician.
By: Darren T. Scoggin, MD