Childhood Allergies

It’s hard to believe that the Spring allergy season is in full bloom in some parts of the country. If it hasn’t hit your community yet, be patient…it will likely be there before you know it. And it’s a growing problem for children, regardless of where you live.

Statistics show that the incidence of childhood allergies has increased from 5% of the population in the 1960’s to approximately 15-20% population in the new millennia. Children whose parents or siblings have allergies are much more likely to have them than a child without a family history of allergy or asthma.

The diagnosis of an allergy can be confusing in a child, who because of their age or exposure, has frequent upper respiratory infections. However, there are many types of allergies that affect children.

Environmental allergies are divided into two major categories; perennial (year-round) and seasonal. Perennial allergies are those from items found in daily life, such as dust mites and pet dander. Seasonal allergies are those primarily seen from Spring pollens and fall grasses. Symptoms of allergies in children may be mild or severe and are similar to those found in adults. Itchy, watery, red eyes and an intermittent or even constant nasal discharge are the predominant allergic symptoms.

As the demographic of allergies in the United States has changed since the 1960’s, so has the way they are diagnosed and treated. There are newer and less painful alternatives to the “scratch testing” that children often feared, and there are better and non-sedating options for allergy therapy that works well.

Yet, it’s important to note that not all allergies require medications. Some allergies may be treated by awareness of the allergy and avoidance of the allergic trigger, or simple measures in the home.

For children that have allergies that do require a medication, a once- or twice-a-day therapy may positively impact their quality of life both at home and in school.

If you think that your child may have allergies, perennial or seasonal, a trip to your child’s doctor to discuss this may be in order. Here’s hoping spring comes soon for all!

Dr. Doug

Dr. James Douglas Campbell, MD, FAAP, MHA, LLC, is a pediatric health professional who advises Tutor Time on the needs of our program as a whole, and provides consultation and technical assistance on child health issues. Dr. Campbell received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Florida and a Masters of Health Administration from the University of North Florida College of Health. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has been taking care of children in Jacksonville, Florida since 1981.