Tips In Determining the Differences Between Common Colds and Allergic Rhinitis

It is important to distinguish between the common cold and allergic rhinitis, both of which can overlap and may be mistaken for the other.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and a runny nose, and thus overlap with those of the common cold. However, these symptoms either occur at a constant level through the year (perennial rhinitis) or only during specific periods (seasonal rhinitis) without a clear cut period of resolution, unless anti allergy medications have been taken.

So while parents may worry that their child is getting more colds than usual, it may only be allergic rhinitis. A trip to the doctor can clarify the matter.

Protecting your home from Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny organisms that are distantly related to spiders. They thrive most on humid conditions. Bedsheets, pillows and blankets are perfect homes for these bugs. Though seemingly harmless, these creatures and their fecal matter are allergens that could signal itchiness and asthmatic attacks. Since dust is virtually indispensable. Follow this tips to minimize dist mite exposure:

1. Keep indoor humidity as low as possible.

2. Fix any sources of water leaks in the house, particularly the basement.

3. Eliminate surfaces that collect dust, like carpets and upholstered furniture. Smooth surfaces keep dust levels low.

4. Discard old papers that magazines dusts. Seal unused blankets and sheets in plastics bags.

5. Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

6. Place stuff toys in a freezer overnight once a week to kill dust mites.

Common Allergies among Children

Atopic dermatitis

The child may develop skin lesions that are red, swollen, itchy, crusty or scaly. In infants, the marks usually appear on the cheeks. Atop dermatitis may be present as early as the first 2 to 3 months of life, disappear, then resurface to around 3 to 5 years.

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever

This refers to an allergic reaction to pollen from trees and grass. Symptoms include sneezing, watery and itchy nose, nasal obstruction and, in some instances, watery eyes. It is often seen in children above 3 to 4 years.

Asthma

This common lung disease is characterized by the irritability of the ling airways to certain stimuli. Children with allergic asthma suffer symptoms of cough and wheezing after exposure to allergens like pollen and dust. A child may have asthma at any age, but majority of children experience their first symptoms at around age 4.

Food allergy

Some children have unwanted reactions following ingestion of different types of foods. Shellfish, nuts and other seeds, cow's milk and wheat are some of the foods that are potentially allergenic. Eating these foods cause some children to have swelling of the mouth or lips, generalized, itchy skin eruptions (wheals) or asthma. Allergy to cow's milk in infants may manifest as gastrointestinal upset (crying and irritability), vomiting or watery, blood streaked stools.

Ways to help protect your little one from Food Allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal response of the body's immune system to a food trigger. Because babies have underdeveloped immune and digestive systems, they tend to be prone to food allergies. Reactions to food occur most often in infants and children. Symptoms sometimes do not appear on the skin but develop as colic or even lead to problem with growth.

Identifying allergy causing foods and avoiding exposure is the only way to prevent a reaction. Here are some ways to help:

• Breast feed your child for as long as possible. Exclusive breast feeding of infants for the first 6-12 months of life delays the onset of allergy symptoms by postponing baby's exposure to food triggers. Remember that allergic substance may cross over to breast milk, so take care of your diet.

• Visit the doctor. Seek advice from a pediatrician or a pediatric allergologist (a specialist on children's allergies) to get a specific diagnosis and rule out allergy problems. Your doctor will examine your baby and ask about any family history of food allergies. Your baby may have to undergo specific test, such as allergy skin test, to accurately diagnose potential food triggers.

• Keep a baby food diary. Write down everything your baby eats, from milk to fruits to vegetables. Note patterns in the symptoms (such as colic and hives) your baby had how long after eating these occur. This record will help you tell if food is causing the allergic symptoms.

• Switch to hypoallergenic (HA) formula. If for some reason, a mother can't or has decided not to breast feed, switching to an HA formula is the best alternative. Putting your baby on HA formula will help him, should he be allergic to cow's milk.

• Read food labels or ask questions. When your baby is eating away from home, consider ingredients and food preparation methods carefully. Remember that trigger items, particularly peanuts, eggs and milk, maybe present in the food in small doses.

• Learn how to manage your baby if he consumes a trigger food. Ask the doctor for advice on medicines that you can give during an allergy attack. In severe cases of food allergy, such as anaphylaxis, epinephrine may have to be used.

• Post doctor's instructions in a prominent place. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where your cue card is posted and how to go about managing allergic symptoms.