Le Bonheur allergist Dr. Christie Michael offers our readers some helpful tips when dealing with allergies. Many people suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, and in the spring pollen counts can be exceptionally high.  Here, Dr. Michael has addressed some commonly asked questions regarding allergies.

How do I know the symptoms are from actual allergies?
Sometimes it is hard to know without seeing a specialist and undergoing some testing.  However, there are circumstances that increase the risk of allergic disease.  If someone gets symptoms of itching, sneezing, nose dripping/draining the same time every year or, for example, every time they are around a cat, allergies may be implicated.  Usually the common cold will last about a week if you treat it and seven days if you don't, so another sign is congestion that lasts longer than a week.  A family history of allergies, a personal history of eczema, or a food allergy also increases the risk. Eye itching and swelling are more common in allergies as well.

How can my child get relief?
If you know the triggers for your symptoms, of course, avoiding them when possible and practical is ideal.  If you have been outside, showering and changing as soon as you come in will help. Also, rinsing your nose or sinuses with a saltwater rinse (available at drug stores without prescription) can help. As far as medication, many people with allergies can get relief with over-the-counter antihistamines. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an older medication that can cause some sedation but is very effective.  The newer antihistamines are also very good and less likely to make you sleepy.  These include loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). 

If there is a lot of congestion, there are nose sprays that your physician can prescribe.  Over-the-counter nose sprays should be used for only a few days at a time as they can be addicting and cause worse “rebound” congestion.  Ask your doctor which ones are safe to use and for how long.  For eye symptoms, your doctor can prescribe eye drops to be used once or twice daily.  If there are only a few days out of the year that you suffer from eye symptoms, the over-the-counter allergy eye drops are fine (usually have a capital A at the end of the name).  Artificial tears can provide relief from irritation, especially if refrigerated, and are a great alternative to rubbing!  Again, if you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

When should my child see a specialist?
If the usual measures above do not adequately relieve your symptoms, then you should see an allergy/immunology specialist for further evaluation.  Also, if you or your child suffers from asthma you should consider a specialist evaluation as allergies can trigger asthma attacks and lead to more frequent asthma symptoms, both interfering with daily life and putting you at risk for a severe attack requiring hospitalization. Your allergy doctor may recommend a course of  "allergy shots" to desensitize you to the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
Family history of asthma and personal history of allergies again increase the risk of asthma.  The cough and wheeze are “cousins,” so any bad spells, especially with exertion or during the night, may be a sign of asthma. Chest discomfort or atypical shortness of breath  (occurring with little or no exertion or causing a child to seek rest long before peers) should always be discussed with your doctor.