Eczema, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis are three hyper-allergic conditions-often called the atopic triad-that tend to affect certain people, including kids.
The link between these conditions is complicated, even for doctors and scientists. But having one may increase the chances of your child having another hyper-allergic condition.
How can you tell if your child’s rash might clear up on its own or is indicative of an allergy? Hosts Alok Patel and Bethany Van Delft are here with suggestions on who to talk to when your little one is dealing with one or more of the “triad” conditions.
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“We don’t completely understand why some people have really bad allergies versus others,” Alok says. Doctors do know that having eczema as a baby is a risk factor for allergies later in life. And though allergies can be inherited, just because a parent suffers from an atopic condition does not mean a child will, too.
Asthma is a little different. Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness-its symptoms-can be brought on by an allergic reaction. But asthma can also be triggered by respiratory colds, cigarette smoke, and other external factors.
“There is even exercise-induced asthma,” Alok explains. Pediatricians and primary care providers do their best to keep a history of the patient’s symptoms that sound like asthma-and parents should, too.
“Remember: Use your instinct,” Alok says. If your child has a skin condition that you are worried might turn into anaphylaxis, a severe reaction, or hives, you can call your doctor just to check what’s happening. “It could be wheezing that you think is asthma. But it could be an inhaled Lego.”
“When in doubt, go to an allergist,” Bethany says. After all, knowing that nothing is wrong is better than being left wondering.
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Hosted by: Alok Patel and Bethany Van Delft
Producer/Camera/Director: Emily Zendt
Producer/Director: Ari Daniel
Production Assistance:
Diego Arenas, Christina Monnen, Arlo Pérez,
Madeline Weir, Amanda Willis
Senior Digital Editor: Sukee Bennett
Rights Manager: Hannah Gotwals
Business Manager: Elisabeth Frele
Managing Producer: Kristine Allington
Coordinating Producer: Elizabeth Benjes
Director of Audience Development: Dante Graves
Director of Public Relations: Jennifer Welsh
Legal and Business Affairs: Susan Rosen and Eric Brass
Director, Business Operations and Finance: Laurie Cahalane
Executive Producers: Julia Cort and Chris Schmidt
Scientific Consultants:
Wayne Shreffler, MD and David Stukus, MD
Archival: Storyblocks
Graphics from The Noun Project: sneezing by Martin, eczema by Luis Prado, asthma by priyanka
Music: APM
© WGBH Educational Foundation 2021