Health News You Can Use: Living Well
By: Dr. Robert Neposlan
Facts About Childhood Allergies
- 15-20% of the population has some type of allergy, and in most people, these allergies first appear during infancy or childhood (Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology).
- Allergic disorders rank first among children’s chronic diseases. (Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
- Every Daycare Centre usually has at least one child who suffers from allergies (Source: Child & Family Canada)
- The incidence of allergies in children has increased significantly in the last two decades. There are more children with asthma, hay fever, and eczema than ever before (Source: Brice Penner MD).
- Allergic disease affects over 30% of children and the number of children shown with allergies appears to be increasing (Source: King’s College Hospital UK).
Do Allergies Affect Your Children At School
For children experiencing allergies, there is a good chance that they will be affected at school:
- An increase in the number of missed school days
- Discomfort that affects their ability to concentrate in class and on homework
- Symptoms that can limit their participation in recess or physical education classes
- Feelings of fear, discomfort and anxiety
- Difficulty learning, concentrating, and keeping pace with school work
- And for younger children, bouts of irritability and temper tantrums
Common Allergens At School
- Dust mites
- Chalk dust
- Animal dander from class pets or pet hair on student’s clothing
- Pollen
- Molds, etc.
(Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
How Can The Allergy Wellness Centre Help!
If you suspect that your child has an allergy, it is important to identify and verify this through testing. Only then can the allergy be treated properly.
Call the Allergy Wellness Centre today at (519)736-5353 to schedule an appointment, or ask us about our Allergy information sessions, which are open for patients who are interested or simply looking for more information about how we treat allergies.
Live Well!