B| D)/E) LF G H ren's ealth Allergy Alert WhatDoes Diaper Rash Have In CommonWith Asthma? (NAPSA)—Seemingly minor childhood conditions may be warningsignsof allergies that can lead to chronic illnesses later in life. As early as infancy, symptoms not normally associated with allergies, such as diaper rash, eczema, diarrhea or colic, may be caused by food sensitivities. Left untreated, they have potential to lead to chronic problems, including other allergies, recurring ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and even asthma. This disease progression is sometimes referred to by specialists as the allergy march. Allergies are the most frequently reported chronic condition in children and they are growing in number. Research has shown that allergies run in families and, although they are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to delay or treat allergy symptomsandpossibly halt the allergy march in your children. Step 1: Watch For Symptoms—Allergy symptoms can have a powerful effect on kids’ quality of life, often resulting in lost sleep, poor behavior and missed school days. Consider that as many as 79 percent of kids with recurrent ear infections have allergic rhinitis. Moreover, allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever,” is considered a risk factor in developing asthma; up to 78 percent of people with asthma also haveallergic rhinitis. Step 2: Get an Accurate Diagnosis—Failure to recognize, diagnose andtreatallergies appropriately can mean unnecessary tests and medications for your child. For you, it can mean frustration and concern. Early and accurate diagnosis gives you the power off —— to help your children and prevent or minimize their suffering. Symptoms aren’t easy to selfdiagnose. You can ask your pediatrician or family physician about the ImmnoCAPAllergy blood test, which can determine whether your child is allergic and, if so, to what and how seriously. Traditional skin testing is not recom- mended for young children because it can cause skin irritation, discomfort and, possibly, a severe allergic reaction, but the ImmunoCAP test can be used on children as young as three monthsold. Step 3: Get the Right Treatment—Armed with an accurate diagnosis, you will be able to work with your doctor to find the right treatment for your child and possi- bly halt the allergy march. In fact, allergic children who receive appropriate treatment have half the rate of asthma as children with the same risks who were not treated early on. In addition, treatment can often be simplified or minimized if parents learn which allergic triggers their child must avoid. Visit www.isitallergy.com or call 877-862-4948 to learn more about specific allergies and diagnosis with InmnoCAP.
