Symptoms:
Seasonal allergies, or hayfever, cause symptoms such as watery, itchy, red eyes; a clear runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy palate or throat. The most common triggers are trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall! Effective non-sedating medications are now available for children over the age of 2 without a prescription for treatment of seasonal allergies. These include loratadine (generic Claritin), Claritin, and Zyrtec. These medications can be given as needed for allergy symptoms. If you think your child has seasonal allergies and he or she is not responding to medication OR if you are not sure, please make an appointment in our office. Many children do not require allergy testing if they respond to treatment with medication as needed.
Symptoms:
An asthma exacerbation, also known as an acute asthma attack, occurs when the lining of the airway becomes irritated. The irritation leads to swelling, constriction, and excess mucous production. This narrowing makes it harder to move air through the lungs. The signs and symptoms of an asthma attack are chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and often cough and wheezing. Triggers of an asthma exacerbation include allergens (mold, pollen, and certain chemicals), cold, stress, and exercise. It can also be proceeded by an upper respiratory infection. During an attack, a rescue inhaler such as albuterol should be used to open the airways. Bronchodialators like albuterol can be used every 4 hours as needed. If your child is requiring the albuterol inhaler more frequently than every 4 hours, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. If asthma attacks become more frequent or more severe, you should talk to your doctor about medication that can be taken daily to help prevent the recurrence.
Symptoms:
Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. The fever usually lasts for 2-3 days, and the cough with congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The typical preschool-age child may experience 6-10 colds per year. Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, asthma attack, or other complications. If you are concerned about the possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.
Symptoms:
Cough is typically one of the most prominent and bothersome symptoms of viral respiratory infections. Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex that our bodies need to clear secretions and to keep open our major airways during the course of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection. However, severe or persistent cough can be associated with asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchiolitis, and should be evaluated by your health care provider.
Symptoms:
Croup is a viral respiratory illness that most often is caused by the parainfluenza virus. The cough and breathing that are associated with croup make it distinctly different from other viral colds or respiratory illnesses. This is because the parainfluenza virus infects and irritates the voice box, the vocal cords, and the windpipe. The cough is worse at night, and it has a distinct bark that sounds much like a seal's bark. Associated with the barky cough, your child may have difficulty when inhaling air, making a labored and whistling sound when breathing in -- called stridor. Humidified air and fluids often are the most helpful treatments. Please call the office to have your child evaluated by the doctor if he/she has symptoms of croup.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of viral upper respiratory infections include severe nasal congestion and secretions, sore throat, occasional vomiting and fever for 2-3 days. These symptoms are followed by a dry, persistent cough that may last for 5-10 days.
Symptoms:
Vomiting and diarrhea is usually caused by viral gastroenteritis which causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines. This illness, often called the "stomach flu" typically lasts 1-2 days, with diarrhea lasting a few days longer. It is important to make sure that your child does not get dehydrated with this condition. Offer Gatorade, Pedialyte, or warm soda pop in small amounts every 20 minutes until your child can keep liquids down. If they are unable to keep liquids down, back off for 2 hours. the try the small amounts again. If your child has few wet diapers and does not make tears, or appears limp or lethargic, they may be dehydrated and we will need to see them in our office.
