Issue Date: March 26, 2006
When kids sneeze
Know the difference between a common cold and allergies.
Parents like to think we only pass along positive traits to our kids. But reality dictates otherwise: They also can inherit our undesirable traits, such as allergies. As much as I don't like it, the sniffles and sneezes my children suffer from are courtesy of my genes.
Allergies occur when a child's immune system overreacts to substances in the environment that should be harmless. Normal people have no symptoms when exposed, but allergy sufferers can develop sneezing, congestion, nasal drainage, and itching in the eyes, nose, palate and throat. Over time, the allergic reaction also can lead to redness and irritation in the eyes and changes in the lining of the nasal passages.
Unfortunately, distinguishing between allergies and infections can be difficult because kids tend to catch colds (from viruses) several times a year. And cold and allergy symptoms can be similar, making allergies even more difficult to diagnose (see tips below).
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Look for these allergy traits
Allergic "shiners" -- dark under-eye circles that occur from constant congestion.
The allergic "salute" -- when a child swipes his hand across his nose to clear the never-ending drainage.
Chronic sniffles with skin issues such as eczema. Skin conditions pester many who have the overactive immune systems that cause allergies.
A brother, sister or parent with allergies. This means a child's risk of developing similar problems is higher than average. If both parents have allergies, there is up to a 75% chance a child will develop allergies.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is medical director of the Wellness Program at Dallas' Cooper Clinic.
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