An allergy is a response by your body to a substance ( an antigen) that you have inhaled, swallowed or touched. Your immune system recognized this intruder and triggers a chain of reactions that cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchiness, runny nose, and nasal congestion or a stuffy nose.
The real purpose of your immune system is to recognize harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and to trigger a reaction to get rid of them. But, in people with allergies their immune system overreacts to ordinary harmless substances called allergens. Typical allergens include pet dander, pollen from grass, trees, flowers, etc, dust and mold These reactions can be seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial rhinitis.
Millions of people suffer from allergies, and allergy sufferers may experience upper respiratory disturbances, rashes and hives, recurrent ear infections, laryngitis, or gastrointestinal issues. For additional information on allergies and how we can test for them and manage allergy symptoms can be found here:
Causes and Concerns
Sinusitis is caused from infection of a viral or bacterial nature. When allergies are left untreated, children are at risk for developing this condition. Asthma occurs when the airways swell leading to breathing difficulties. Swelling and inflammation of the airways can make it difficult for air to get to and from the lungs. Flareups are called asthma attacks, and they occur when the airway becomes restricted, or when the lung components swell and become tight.
Some children only experience sinus and airway symptoms during allergy season, when the pollen count is high. Allergies are triggered by pet dander, cock roaches, mold, mildew, and pollen. Some children experience allergy symptoms on a regular basis from persistent allergies.
Symptoms and Signs
Sinus and allergy symptoms vary from child to child. If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting one of our pediatric allergy and sinus specialists. It is important to treat these symptoms early to prevent complications. Some of the symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal drainage and congestion
- Wheezing
- Fatigue during physical activity
- Coughing
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
Solutions and Options
Allergy and sinus problems can be diagnosed by a number of ways. Your child will first need to have an examination by the doctor to determine the possibility of asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, or persistent allergies. If the doctor suspects that your child has one of these conditions, he or she will conduct tests to further evaluate.
Allergy testing determines whether or not the symptoms are from a reaction to an allergen. Spirometry is a test for asthma, and it is conducted in children older than 5. It will measure how much air is flowing through the lungs and the pulmonary function. The doctor may also perform x-rays if a sinus or lung infection is suspected.
When the doctor determines the cause of your child’s allergy and sinus symptoms, he or she can then implement at treatment plan. Options include allergy desensitizing shots, medications, antibiotics, and breathing treatments. If your child has persistent allergy or sinus symptoms, it is an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Summary
Allergy and sinus problems are a leading cause of asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, and persistent allergies in children. There are many different symptoms and signs of these conditions. If you think your child has an allergy or sinus condition, call today for an appointment with one of our competent pediatric specialists. The doctor will work with you to find a solution for your child’s symptoms.
Additional Reading: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/tc/asthma-in-children-overview