Understanding Asthma vs Allergies

Asthma and allergies may present with similar symptoms but have vastly different treatments and it’s important to be able to identify what your child might be dealing with. Asthma and allergies can also have similar triggers but are caused by different functions in the body. It’s important that you know if your child is dealing with asthma or allergies so that they can get the proper treatment that they need. Dr. Michael Taymor and Dr. Lama Rimawi in Palo Alto, CA, can explain asthma and allergies and how they differ.

The Differences Between Asthma and Allergies

Asthma and allergies can both be caused by pollen, dust, or dander. The primary difference between the two issues is where the location of the reaction is. Asthma typically presents in the lungs with coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Allergies can occur in the nose, and your child will experience sneezing and congestion. With both asthma and allergies, you should identify your child’s trigger so that you can avoid it as much as possible.

Allergies are treated in different ways, and it will depend on your child’s symptoms and the severity of their attacks. For some people, they may just need to take an antihistamine, or your child will just experience itching for a brief period of time. If allergies are severe, you may need to go to the hospital and your child may need an EpiPen.

Asthma can typically be treated with medications prescribed by your child’s pediatrician in Palo Alto, CA. These medications are typically administered through an inhaler and will be applied directly to the lungs and airways. There are rescue inhalers and inhalers that are used daily to prevent attacks from happening in the first place.

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Find out if your child has asthma or allergies. Contact Dr. Taymor and Dr. Rimawi in Palo Alto, CA, to learn more about asthma and allergies and how they differ. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (650) 321-7722.