Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. Allergies can cause congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. The airways can narrow, resulting in an asthma attack. Knowing the link between asthma and allergies can help your child avoid exposure to allergens. Dr. Jenny Welham at Island Pediatrics of Honolulu in Honolulu, HI, offers comprehensive medical services for children, including allergy testing and asthma treatment.

What You Need To Know About Allergies and Asthma

An allergic reaction occurs when your child is exposed to an allergen, a substance your child is allergic to. Common allergens affecting children include:

• Grasses and trees
• Plants and flowers
• Pet dander
• Mold and dust
• Peanuts, dairy, and seafood

When your child is exposed to an allergen, your child may experience:

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny nose
• Congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• A scratchy throat

Your child may also experience narrowing of the airways, causing breathing difficulties and an asthma attack. Your child’s airways are smaller, which can make breathing difficulties much more severe.

Your pediatrician will develop a treatment plan to help your child relieve allergies and asthma.

Remember that there is a lot you can do to reduce allergens in your child’s environment to prevent an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. You should:

• Vacuum and dust frequently
• Use hypoallergenic sheets and linens
• Wash linens frequently
• Keep pets off furniture and out of your bedroom
• Install an allergy filter in your house
• Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high

Want To Know More About Allergies and Asthma?

Talk with an expert to discover more about the link between asthma and other allergies. Call Dr. Jenny Welham at Island Pediatrics of Honolulu in Honolulu, HI. You can reach her in the office by calling (808) 944-1844, so call today.