Kids can easily pick up illnesses such as the common cold and the flu in daycare or at school. But they are also prone to developing diseases related to the immune system, including allergies, asthma and eczema.
In fact, those conditions are among the most common affecting children, with as many as 35% of children in the United States experiencing some type of allergy and nearly 10% developing asthma or eczema.
The allergists and immunologists at Hattiesburg Clinic know that the health needs of children are often very different from adults. Kids are still growing and developing, and their bodies do not always respond in the same ways.
Children’s immune systems are not fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to “invaders” such as allergens that lead to allergies, asthma and eczema.
Children can experience all types of allergies, including seasonal (pollen) allergies, environmental allergies, pet allergies, medication allergies and food allergies. Food allergies are particularly common in children, with the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology reporting that as many as six million children in the United States have a food allergy.
At best, allergies can cause uncomfortable, pesky symptoms, but at worst, they can lead to life-threatening symptoms including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). We can diagnose allergies in kids and suggest a plan for treating and preventing allergic reactions.
Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than six million American kids have asthma and the condition leads to more than 13 million missed school days each year.
If your child is experiencing symptoms that could be related to asthma, such as wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing, we can conduct testing to measure lung function and determine a diagnosis. Asthma is often triggered by an allergic reaction, so a treatment plan for kids who have asthma may also include treatment for allergies.
Many kids experience the distinctive dry, scaly, itchy skin caused by eczema at some point during childhood. While the condition can affect people of any age, it is most common among young children.
Eczema can be triggered by many different factors, including exposure to allergens, irritants and dry, cold weather. We can determine the underlying cause of your child’s eczema and offer a plan for treating the condition and preventing future flare-ups.
Caring for children requires a special touch and unique expertise. Our teams of allergists and immunologists at Hattiesburg Clinic have specialized training in diagnosing and treating conditions in kids.