Collin County Pediatrics:What's Going Around?

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What's Going Around in the Community?

Allergies

Symptoms

Seasonal allergies, or hayfever, are very common at this time of year. Typical symptoms include watery, itchy, red eyes; a clear runny nose; sneezing; and an itchy palate or throat. The most common triggers are trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. If you think your child is suffering from allergies, please bring your child into our office for an evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Symptoms

We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness that occurs most often in children under age 2. Its most common cause is the "respiratory syncytial virus," often referred to as "RSV." This virus typically occurs in epidemics during the winter and the early spring. "Bronchioles" are the smallest airways in our lungs, and "itis" means these airways are inflamed, or irritated, by the virus. When these airways get inflamed in young children, they often will start to "wheeze," meaning both the air and the oxygen have difficulty getting through these narrowed, swollen airways. With a case of bronchiolitis, your child's symptoms may begin with a runny nose, a fever, and a sharp cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child will start to breathe rapidly and will "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. A physician should be consulted if your child has these symptoms.

Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

Symptoms

Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. The fever usually lasts for 2-3 days, and the cough with congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The typical preschool-age child may experience 6-10 colds per year. Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, asthma attack, or other complications. If you are concerned about the possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.

See Also : Colds , Sinus Pain or Congestion

Cough

Symptoms

We are currently seeing children and adolescents with cough, typically one of the most prominent and bothersome symptoms of viral respiratory infections at this time of year. Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex that our bodies need to clear secretions and to keep open our major airways during the course of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection. However, severe or persistent cough can be associated with asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchiolitis, and should be evaluated by your health care provider.