Brendan is one of those kids that always seems to be stuffy, even without a runny nose. Allergies? The pollen in the air? Maybe. He also is beginning to take after me and has had a handful of asthma attacks. Not fun.
When he gets really sick, we have a nebulizer (which he hates), we have a “puffer,” which he’s really too young to inhale properly, and he was taking Cingulair once a day. None of these seem to give him immediate relief when he needs it, and on top of that, he still ALWAYS sounds sick. Seasonal allergies? I have no idea.
After multiple trips to the doctor, and two hospital stays, I wanted answers. Give this kid something that works! I felt like his doctors were helping with his asthma related issues, but disregarding that constant, stuffy nose.
At our last visit to the pediatrician, I was really complaining about his symptoms and medication. Why aren’t we treating this constant congestion and why isn’t there a better, more effective treatment for him?? We were finally referred to Dr. Katz, a family allergy and asthma specialist.
WOW. What an eye-opening experience. Going to a specialist is a different world. They ask the right questions and really understand those little symptoms you try so hard to put into words. Dr. Katz looked into Brendan’s nose and knew right away he had allergies. He was able to test him right in the office and had the results in 15 minutes. Check this out!
If you look on the upper right side you can see Brendan’s skin reacting to that specific allergen (they used toothpick like tools to scratch his skin lightly with a variety of allergens). What was it? Pollen? Grass? NO.
Brendan has PET allergies; dog and cat. Holy Jesus. My two, climb-on-the-surface-of-everything, sleep-on-my-pillow-all-day, fuzz-faced dumb cats. Ugh.
“Do I have to kick those furrballs out?” No, this can be treated with the right medicine.
Well thank you Dr. Katz, you just changed our lives. Brendan is now on Nasonex for his nose issues and has a better treatment plan for when he begins to show asthma symptoms.
He also recommended we get a HEPA filter for Brendan’s room and to pack up all the stuffed animals. Brendan did have a mild reaction to dust mites so just the thought of him throwing his face into a stuffed toy thats been sitting on his floor makes me cringe.
It’s only been a few days so I can’t report on the progress yet. But I am considering going back for myself! How amazing would it be to know exactly what you are allergic too?!? If I had to guess, my results would be similar to Brendan’s, which is probably why I still have asthma and allergy issues (dumb, fuzzy cats).
Some other tips from Dr. Katz for those with pet allergies:
- Keep pet outdoors, if possible. If not, keep pet out of bedrooms and keep bedroom doors closed.
- Do not allow pet on upholstered furniture. HA!
- Remove carpet in as many areas as possible.
- Wash pet once a week or wipe them down with damp cloth two or three times a week. Time to give a cat a bath!
This is another great link for kids with any type of allergy symptoms. If you are still unsure if your child is reacting to the pollen in the air, pets, or dust, I recommend taking them to a specialist!
Does you child suffer from allergies? Have you been to a specialist?
We’ve seen Dr. Katz too….he’s great!
*I* suffer with horrible allergies and got tested last year and started getting allergy shots. I am allergic to almost EVERY tree, grass, etc. that grows in the south. It is AMAZING what a difference KNOWING what you are allergic to can make because you can try to avoid it or treat it with medication!
I’ve actually seen that office myself. I have horrible allergies. Dust mites, pollen, cat, dog, you name it. I live with a constant stuffy nose and unfortunate snoring at night sometimes (my poor husband!). So, it’s WONDERFUL to really understand what’s going on and finding out a way to treat it. I know y’all will be much happier now. Consider a mattress cover for his bed and pillow. It really will make a difference. Sorry for his suffering. Glad he’ll be feeling much better soon! XOXO
Dr. Katz is my allergist and the allergist for my two-year-old. I cannot recommend him enough. He’s so knowledgable and he’s just the super nicest guy. Every visit had been so pleasant and it’s a relief to know my little girl is getting the proper treatment.