Ga. emergency rooms see kids with severe allergy symptoms
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Some hospitals in Georgia are seeing children in the emergency room because of asthma flare-ups due to high levels of pollen.
In Augusta, Wellstar MCG Health is seeing an increase in pollen-related illnesses, “but not so much that we’re overwhelmed,” spokeswoman Lisa Kaylor said.
“We’re busy but it’s a mix of illnesses, as usual,” she said.
Elsewhere in the Peach State, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston Hospital is also staying busy with an increase in kids experiencing asthma flare-ups.
“In those children who have asthma over 90 percent have allergic triggers, allergies are very common of asthma in children,” said Melinda Rathkopf, a pediatric allergist and immunologist there.
She says it’s not uncommon for this time of the year but there is a contributing factor. Flovent, a popular children’s inhaler was discontinued at the beginning of the year.
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Rathkopf says it’s left parents and doctors scrambling.
She says generic options are available, but there have been challenges with insurance companies.
“This could have that domino effect of more children ending up in the emergency room, in urgent care centers as their asthma flares up,” she said.
She encouraged parents to be proactive.
“If you have a child who has Flovent in their asthmatic care, even if you’re not out go ahead and the prescribing provider or the pharmacy and see what your options are, make sure you have the medication available,” she said.
Other tips to avoid allergy flare-ups:
- Shower and change clothes after being outside.
- Avoid being outdoors during the morning/early afternoon when pollen counts are high.
- Keep your windows shut.
For more information on seasonal allergies in children click here.
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