Child Development – Sepracor Inc Survey Finds Pediatric Allergies Takes Toll on Kids Too

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

Longer days and warmer weather signal spring is on its way, and so are springtime allergies.  Most adults acknowledge that allergies can make you feel pretty miserable.  Stuffy noses and wheezing can keep you up at night and a bit drowsy during the day.  A new survey reveals the affects of allergies are no different for kids. 

Sepracor Inc, a US pharmaceutical company, sponsored the survey that discovered that children’s allergies can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities as well as sleep.  Previous discussion of children’s allergy symptoms were merely anecdotal, meaning the symptoms adult’s incurred were extrapolated for children. Hundreds of parents and doctors were surveyed and ¾ of respondents found spring to be the harshest allergy season of all the seasons.  

Of the adults surveyed, 500 had at least one child with seasonal allergies, while the same number of parents had a child with no allergies.  In addition, 500 doctors who treat children with nasal allergies were also surveyed.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the most reported chronic condition in children. 

The results of the survey provided new, more concrete insight into children’s allergy symptoms.  Compared to the 10% of children without allergies, 40% of parents said their child’s nasal allergies interfere with performance at school.  About 50% of the parents reported their child takes medication for allergies, yet 57% had to change prescriptions due to lack of effectiveness.  Lastly, 29% revealed allergies affect their child’s sleeping habits citing lack of sleep.

In order to keep symptoms to a minimum, there are several things you can do to help your child's allergies.  Try keeping dust and animal dander in the house to a minimum by cleaning and vacuuming often.  Seasonal allergies elicit an immune system response, hence the stuffy noses.  It is helpful to keep your child’s immune system functioning optimally by avoiding food allergens, providing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and keeping processed foods to a minimum.  Many parents find relief for allergy by using natural remedies or a multivitamin, but it is important to consult your physician before giving your child any supplements.