First, let's discuss why we have allergies. Everyone has a different immune system. Children can inherit their parent’s susceptibility to certain allergens (the actual particles that cause allergies). Your immune system tries to fight off different allergens with white cells and histamine. Histamine is released from specialized cells called mast cells. Histamine causes localized swelling, increased blood flow to the area affected, redness and itching. Most of us see this as hives, puffy eyes and a constant runny nose. Now, what we should do about it. Most of the time, when you have an allergy, you have it for life. You can take certain medications to make it better, tolerable or to totally alleviate the symptoms. But some people truly suffer despite using medications. These people, even children, should see an allergist. The allergist will test for specific allergens. When they find out exactly what you or your child may be allergic to, they can have you go through a series of "allergy shots". The allergen is diluted to a very weak solution and injected just under the skin. With each visit the allergen is made slightly stronger. The hope is that your body will learn to fight the allergen on it's own without medications.

For most people with mild to moderate symptoms, using anti-allergy medication makes the season better. Some people only have allergies in the Spring; others are worse in the Fall, when ragweed is a problem. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medication called anti-histamines. It helps but can make you sleepy. There are other anti-histamines that don't make you as drowsy.  Some are purchased over-the-counter (not requiring a prescription). Others are available by prescription only. Ask you doctor what may be best for you or your child. Your child's participation in activities may make the decision on which to use a little tricky. There are also other medications which keep the cells that store the histamines from bursting open in the first place. These also require a prescription. There are also prescription steroid sprays used in the nose that help decrease the amount of swelling and mucous production in the nose. These are not body-building steroids but they are related to prednisone, a steroid we make in our body that helps fight allergens and stressors. These can be used all year or just when the symptoms are their worst. You doctor can tell you how long to use them. The newer sprays are very safe and do not cause any harmful effects to the body as the older medications used to. 

Medications may be used all year if you have allergies to indoor allergens such as dust and molds. Never start a new medication, herbal therapy or holistic regimen without checking with your doctor. Many doctors today are very open to these therapies but some may actually make the symptoms worse. An example would be echinacea making ragweed allergy worse because it is related to the ragweed plant. If your child has any difficulty breathing contact your health care professional immediately. Most of all follow the directions your doctor gives you. Symptoms may improve after a short course of treatment but will return when the medication is stopped too early.

Most children will receive a good amount of relief with proper treatment and allergen avoidance. You can do simple things at home to help your child's allergies. Use pillow and mattress covers. Keep stuffed animals out of the bedroom or playroom. If your child is allergic to animals, don't get a pet or keep your pet out of carpeted rooms and bedrooms. Clean counter tops and floors frequently. Keep your child active in sports that may not involve long periods of time outdoors during pollen season. Hopefully a small amount of lifestyle modification will go a long way to keeping your child healthy and happy.

Despina Demestihas Dalton, M.D. is a Pediatric Emergency Physician. She is double board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she is currently the Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Cobb County, a suburb of Atlanta. She lives there with her husband, Shawn and her 3 children, Kathryn, 10 yr, Harrison, 3 yr and Alexander, 9 mos. Her expertise is in Pediatric Emergencies and hopes to help give Goneis-families insight into medical and surgical emergencies that affect children.

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