Allergy and Sinus

Allergy and sinus problems can lead to sinusitis, upper airway infections, persistent allergies, and asthma in children. Asthma is a condition that can be life threatening for your child. There are many other causes of allergy and sinus problems in children. Find out about the symptoms and solutions for allergy and sinus conditions.

Causes and Concerns

Sinusitis is caused from infection of a viral or bacterial nature. When allergies are left untreated, children are at risk for developing this condition. Asthma occurs when the airways swell leading to breathing difficulties. Swelling and inflammation of the airways can make it difficult for air to get to and from the lungs. Flareups are called asthma attacks, and they occur when the airway becomes restricted, or when the lung components swell and become tight.
Some children only experience sinus and airway symptoms during allergy season, when the pollen count is high. Allergies are triggered by pet dander, cock roaches, mold, mildew, and pollen. Some children experience allergy symptoms on a regular basis from persistent allergies.

Symptoms and Signs

Sinus and allergy symptoms vary from child to child. If you notice any of these signs, consider consulting one of our pediatric allergy and sinus specialists. It is important to treat these symptoms early to prevent complications. Some of the symptoms include:

Itchy, watery eyes
Nasal drainage and congestion
Wheezing
Fatigue during physical activity
Coughing
Tight feeling in the chest
Trouble sleeping
Shortness of breath

Solutions and Options

Allergy and sinus problems can be diagnosed by a number of ways. Your child will first need to have an examination by the doctor to determine the possibility of asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, or persistent allergies. If the doctor suspects that your child has one of these conditions, he or she will conduct tests to further evaluate.
Allergy testing determines whether or not the symptoms are from a reaction to an allergen. Spirometry is a test for asthma, and it is conducted in children older than 5. It will measure how much air is flowing through the lungs and the pulmonary function. The doctor may also perform x-rays if a sinus or lung infection is suspected.
When the doctor determines the cause of your child’s allergy and sinus symptoms, he or she can then implement at treatment plan. Options include allergy desensitizing shots, medications, antibiotics, and breathing treatments. If your child has persistent allergy or sinus symptoms, it is an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Summary

Allergy and sinus problems are a leading cause of asthma, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, and persistent allergies in children. There are many different symptoms and signs of these conditions. If you think your child has an allergy or sinus condition, call today for an appointment with one of our competent pediatric specialists. The doctor will work with you to find a solution for your child’s symptoms.