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Spring allergies have been absolutely awful this year. Please read below on how to best help your child manage through this season. The vast majority of the medications are now over the counter; read below for more information the cause, prevention and treatment of seasonal allergies:

Allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis is caused by things that trigger inflammation in the nose or eyes, called allergens. These allergens can be found both outdoors and indoors. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens—such as mold or trees, grass and weed pollens—it is often referred to as seasonal allergies, or “hayfever.” Allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis may also be triggered by allergens that are in your house, such as animal dander (tiny skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, or the droppings of cockroaches or house dust mites—tiny creatures found in the home.

·         If you have symptoms in spring, you are probably allergic to tree pollens.

·         If you have symptoms in the summer, you are probably allergic to grass and weed pollens.

·         If you have symptoms in late summer and fall, you probably are allergic to ragweed.

·         Dust mites, molds and animal dander (saliva or skin flakes) cause symptoms all year.

Typical symptoms of allergies include clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffling, and nasal itching; ear and sinus congestion; headache- particular in the facial area; a tickly or scratchy sensation in the throat; itchy ear canals; hoarse voice; and itchy skin and/or hives.

Fever is NOT a typical symptom, despite the term “hay fever” used to describe seasonal allergies.

PREVENTION: the best way to avoid allergies is to avoid or remove the offending substance.

1. For pollen-keep windows shut and use the air conditioner.  Shower immediately upon coming inside from the outdoors. Use a nasal saline rinse to wash pollen out of the nasal passages, and saline eye wash to clear pollen out of the eyes. Individual packets of eye saline can be purchased over-the-counter to carry with you to outdoor events.

2. For dust and dust mites- purchase plastic mattress and pillow covers for beds/pillows (available at most home goods stores.) WET dust in rooms. Wash bedding regularly, and limit stuffed animals and other dust catchers in the bed area. Remove old or thick carpeting, and vacuum remaining flooring regularly. For severe cases, consider a room HEPA filter- a machine that can filter out small particles of dust.

ANTIHISTAMINES: these products combat the irritating effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body when reacting to allergens. There are many over-the-counter products available for use.  Chlorpheniramine and Benadryl work well for allergy, but are short-acting and may cause drowsiness.

Loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), Xyzal and fexofenadine (Allegra) are longer acting antihistamines available over the counter that are less sedating and work for 24 hours. They are available in liquid, dissolving tablet, chewable and pill forms. If they do make your child sleepy, try dosing at bedtime. Store brands work as well at half the price.

These products work best IN ANTICIPATION of allergic triggers- once symptoms have begun, histamine has already been released in the body and your child may not fully respond to the anti-histamine. They should be used daily during allergy season for peak effectiveness, but can be used on an as-needed basis for specific exposures (i.e. exposure to a cat.)

Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D are antihistamines paired with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), a decongestant that helps shrink congested blood vessels in the nose.

For EYE symptoms you can purchase over-the-counter  Pataday or Zaditor (use these first), anti-histamine eye drops that also contains an ingredient to prevent histamine release. If you cannot easily find these, try Naphcon or Opcon anti-histamine eye drops which are dosed more frequently.

If the over-the-counter products are not working for your child, or have significant side effects, schedule a visit for an evaluation with your pediatrician. Underlying issues such as sinus infections can be treated, and prescription medications or eye drops can be tried.

STEROID nasal sprays:

Both Flonase/Fluticasone (generic) and Nasacort are very effect intranasal steroid sprays that are available over the counter for kids and adults. They are one of the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis, but must be used consistently for best effect.

To use a nasal spray properly, first lean forward (nose towards the toes). Use the left hand to spray the right nostril, and the right hand to spray the left nostril. Then place the nozzle in the nostril, aiming for the eye on the same side to avoid spraying the septum (middle part of the nose that can develop bleeding.)

Take a look HERE for a great video demonstrating proper nasal spray technique.

ANTIHISTAMINE nasal sprays:

Over the counter decongestant sprays such as Neosynephrine and Afrin cannot be used frequently, due to the risk of “rebound” (or worsened symptoms) when discontinued.

Antihistamine sprays such as  Astepro and Patanase (both over the counter) can be used chronically without risk. They can be particularly helpful in relieving congestion due to cold symptoms and cold weather induced rhinitis, in addition to allergies.

Make sure when coming in from outside you flush eyes with a saline solution, along with washing faces (and hair) if there is a lot of pollen outside.

You can now conveniently schedule your annual well visit online through the portal. This update makes booking appointments easier than ever, giving you more flexibility and control over your family’s schedule.

Here’s how you can schedule an appointment:
1. Log in to your patient portal.
2. Navigate to the “Upcoming Appointments” section.
3. Select “Schedule a Visit.”
4. Select patient
5. Choose “Well Visit” from the available options.
6. Pick a date and time that works for you.
7. Confirm your appointment.

It’s that simple! Log in to your patient portal today to schedule your next visit.

*If your child is on medication prescribed by us for anxiety, depression or ADHD, please choose the option for a well visit + med check (this allows more visit time to help manage those medications.)

Measles: The Disease and Vaccine Options

We at Saugatuck Pediatrics are monitoring the measles outbreaks very closely, and following updated guidelines from the CDC and the AAP. Here is some valuable information about how to keep your child safe and protected: The Measles Vaccine: The measles vaccine is typically given at 1 and 4 years of age. The second dose, however, can be given as early as 28 days after the first dose. Approximately 90% of patients respond to the first dose, and an additional 5-7% will develop antibodies after the 2nd dose.  Why is the second dose given at 4 years and not earlier? Simple convenience- children typically are seen at 4 for their Tdap booster, so the second MMR was scheduled for that same visit. For infants residing in or traveling to areas with measles breakouts, the MMR can be given as early as 6 months. However, the vaccine must be repeated at 1 and 4 years of age as maternal antibodies (which provide some protection for 6-9 months) can interfere with the long term effectiveness of the vaccine.  There is no harm in giving this extra dose. Please contact us prior to travel if unsure about whether your infant needs this extra dose (ideally given at least 2 weeks prior to departure.) In the rare instance that a child develops measles despite having had the vaccine, the disease is much milder with significantly reduced risks of hospitalization and mortality. IF you would like to give your child their second MMR prior to 4 years of age you have two options: The regular 2nd MMR, as long as 28 days have passed since the first dose (typically given at 1 year of age). An MMRV (MMR plus varicella). This booster is typically given at age 4, but can also be given younger as a combination vaccine for the second dose. It can be given as early as 3 months after the first dose of MMR and varicella.  Both these doses replace the vaccine we could normally give at age 4. If you do only the MMR, your child will still need a varicella vaccine at age 4. Measles Facts: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. The virus is spread by small respiratory droplets. If 100 susceptible people are in a room with someone who is infected, 90 of them are likely to become ill with measles. Further, if someone who has not had measles enters an elevator or other small space up to two hours after an infected person has left, they can still contract measles. About 1 in 5 people with the measles requires hospitalization. About 3 of every 10 people infected with the measles will develop complications including ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), clotting disorders including hemorrhaging in the brain and skin, and seizures. 1-2 in 1000 children with the measles DIE. Approximately 1 in 5000 people with measles (1 in about 600 for infants under 15 months) develop subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a progressive and fatal neurological infection that can develop years after initial measles infection. There is no treatment. Measles infection can cause “immune amnesia” – it wipes out immune memory cells, increasing vulnerability to other infections for 2-3 years.  Measles was considered eliminated in the US in 2000 until vaccination rates began to drop. Before the Texas outbreak, a child hadn’t died of measles in the US in 22 years.  Vitamin A does not prevent measles infection and has limited proven benefits in reducing complications from measles. While it may reduce mortality in specific populations (particularly children under two), it does not reliably protect against the many serious complications that can arise from measles infection. Excessive doses of vitamin A can be dangerous, please do not start this supplementation without speaking with us. Symptoms of measles:  High fever Cough, runny nose Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes- not typically with discharge) White spots inside of cheeks Rash- usually begins 2-4 days after other symptoms, begins at the hairline and spreads downward to face/neck and trunk. It appears as a red, blotchy, flat rash on light complexions, but may be harder to see or more purple on dark complexions. If you have any reason to believe your child may have measles, please relay this information to our staff so we can evaluate your child outside of the office. Additional resources for your questions about measles, the vaccine, and dispelling many current myths circulating about both: Vaxopedia Measles Information Page Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Measle Information Page MMR Vaccine Misinformation Your Local Epidemiologist on the Measles Outbreak Vitamin A is not a Substitution for the Measles Vaccine Vaccines and Autoimmunity: Separating Fact from Fiction

It’s cough season, with a few causes that weren’t on our bingo card this year…

Coughing is an important physiological defense mechanism that helps clear the airways of germs, irritants and mucous. As a result, we try not to suppress coughs unless they are unnecessarily disturbing daytime activities or sleep.

Acute coughs are most often caused by an upper respiratory tract infection, usually a common cold. Coughs with colds can last a few weeks- unless it is accompanied by ear pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, gagging or vomiting after cough episodes or fever for more than 5 days you can treat at home. Any cough not improving by day 10-14 of an illness should be evaluated in the office as well.

Other causes of acute cough include:

• Pneumonia (most commonly viral in children)- these symptoms can evolve over time; keep an eye out for fast, shallow breathing, working hard to breath (pulling in of chest/abdomen), chest pain, wheezing, or a cough that is worsening after 7-10 days of illness.
• Viral rhinosinusitis (nasal and upper respiratory congestion)
• Acute bronchitis (usually viral, inflammation of lower airways producing a deeper sounding/barky type of cough, often hoarseness; coughing up yellow phlegm is a normal part of the healing process- if your child is bringing up brown or dark green/blood tinged mucous they should be seen).
• Listen to what a croup cough sounds like HERE.
• More information on croup HERE.
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)*- a particularly bad cold virus that can cause wheezing in infants (this sounds like a whistling with exhalation, or a long exhalation that seems forced.) If you child breathing very fast, flaring their nostrils or pulling in their chest/abdomen when breathing they should be evaluated. Sounds of RSV/wheezing in infants HERE.
• Acute sinusitis (again, often viral, we suspect bacterial infections after 10-14 days of worsening, thick, discolored nasal discharge along with headache, fever, cough.)
• Allergic/irritant rhinitis- caused by allergens like pollen, dust and mold.

*We now have an injection of monoclonal antibodies against RSV (Beyfortus) for infants under the age of 8 months as of 10/1. This will help avoid RSV infection in the first year of life (stay tuned for more information about scheduling this injection.)

The two less common infections in the community right now are:

• Pertussis (whooping cough) which causes episodes of violent coughing often followed by gagging/vomiting. Children are vaccinated for Pertussis in infancy/toddlerhood and boosted starting at 11 years of age, but immunity may wane over time. There is currently a small outbreak of Pertussis in the area- if your child has been exposed, and/or has a persistent/disruptive cough we can test with a nasal swab sent to a lab. Pertussis is treated with an antibiotic. More information HERE.
• Listen to how a “whoop cough” sounds like HERE.
• Mycoplasma (a type of bacteria that causes a mild “walking pneumonia”, with or without fever, usually a persistent deep, wet cough). This, too, is treated with an antibiotic if symptoms are prolonged or significant (your body can clear this on its own.) More information HERE.

Treatment of cough and congestion:

• Teach children to cough into their elbows, rather their hands.
• Coughing with a “closed mouth” helps prevent airway irritation caused by the sides of the airways rubbing against each other.
• Try to use non-medicated measures (honey, hydration) during the day for coughing. Reserve use of medications for night-time coughs that disturb sleep or particularly persistent daytime coughing.
• If your child is experiencing chest pain, unrelenting cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath they should be evaluated in our office.

Water/fluids– water, juice, warm chicken soup or tea helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid caffeine, excess sugary beverages.

Salt water– a saltwater gargle (1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) can temporarily relieve a scratchy or sore throat

Saline nasal drops/sprays-

• Over the counter saline nasal sprays help relieve thick congestion and stuffiness.   For infants, lay baby on its back and squirt saline up each nostril- don’t be shy about the amount, it is safe for them to swallow or inhale the liquid.
• You can gently suction out excessive mucous with a “snot-sucker” but avoid using too frequently. Do not use bulb syringes which tend to collect mold and old secretions.
• Saline sprays can be used in older children as often as necessary. Nasal sinus rinses are also very helpful in clearing out clogged sinuses (avoid if any significant ear pain.)

A new over the counter nasal decongestant spray called ASTEPRO can help with congestion caused by allergies and colds. Avoid afrin or neo-synephrine as they can cause rebound congestion if used more than 2-3 days at a time.

Honey– safe to use for coughs and sore throats in children older than one. 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey has been found to be as effective as cough medicines in a study of children with upper respiratory tract infections. Best given straight up, honey coats and soothes an irritated throat.

Pectin cough drops/lollipops– safe to use in children at least 3 years of age who don’t choke easily. Pectin coats the throat,and helps soreness and cough.

Humidification– cold viruses thrive in dry conditions, and dry air also dries mucous membranes causing a stuffy nose and sore throat.

• Cool mist humidifiers help add moisture to the air- but be sure to clean it daily following the manufacturer’s instructions. Place it close to your child’s head so they are breathing in mist while sleeping or doing an activity.
• Sitting in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes also helps loosen secretions and soothe irritated throats.
• Warm mist humidifiers are fine as well,but can cause steam burns if touched.

Benadryl– a first-generation (sedating) antihistamine that may provide minor relief of congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, can be used in infants and children. Newer antihistamines like zyrtec and allegra are good for allergy, but not for colds. Can use with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Dosing is available by weight/age on our website HERE.

Delsym/Robitussin DM–  long acting cough medications containing dextromethorphan that can be used for irritative coughs in children over age 4. This only suppresses the cough reflex, and does not decongest. Can use with Benadryl, acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen.

Delsym dosing:

· Children 12 and older- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) every 12 hours

· Children 6- 11 years- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) every 12 hours

· Children 4-6 years- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) every 12 hours

· Children under 4- discuss with physician prior to using

What NOT to use for coughs and colds:

Antibiotics- these attack bacteria, but do not work against viruses. You should have your child evaluated by the pediatrician prior to starting antibiotics, which are generally reserved for treatment of likely bacterial ear infections, bacterial sinusitis and bacterial pneumonia. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Over the counter cold and cough meds in children younger than 4- the FDA has recommended against the use of such medications due to serious and significant side effects and lack of efficacy in young children. You can use Benadryl for decongestion in young children, but recommend not using delsym in children younger than 4 unless directed by the physician.

Zinc- most high quality studies show no benefit to the use of zinc, and the mineral can cause significant side effects such as bad taste, nausea, and even permanent loss of the sense of smell in zinc-containing nasal cold remedies.

How do the symptoms of Flu differ from COVID19? Read more HERE.