Every fall, many children develop a runny nose, itchy, puffy eyes, and attacks of sneezing.
Allergies and asthma often start in childhood and continue throughout life.
Although neither can be cured, with proper care they can usually be kept under control.
Allergies are caused by the body's reaction to substances called allergens, which trigger the immune system to react to harmless substances as though they were attacking the body.
So, how do you know if your symptoms represent an allergy or just a simple cold?
Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that follows exposure to a particular substance.
But others are subtler, and may masquerade as other conditions.
Special guest, Dr. David Hill and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss fall allergies and some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy.
Selected Podcast
Sneezing & Wheezing? Could Be Fall Allergies
Featuring:
Dr. David Hill is Vice President of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, NC, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UNC Medical School. He serves on the executive committees of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and the Media. In addition to writing a monthly column for Wilmington Parent Magazine Dr. Hill writes and records for multiple websites including as Livestrong.com, eHow.com, and thedoctorsvideos.com. He has three children, ages 6, 9, and 11.
Dr. David Hill, MD
Dr. David Hill is Vice President of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, NC, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UNC Medical School. He serves on the executive committees of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and the Media. In addition to writing a monthly column for Wilmington Parent Magazine Dr. Hill writes and records for multiple websites including as Livestrong.com, eHow.com, and thedoctorsvideos.com. He has three children, ages 6, 9, and 11.