John M. Young, MD

Pediatrician In Amarillo, Texas

Best of Amarillo - Pediatrician

Crispin Borunda

What To Do When Your Child Develops A Rash Or Allergic Reaction

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It is difficult to watch your child suffer from wheezing, itching, or experiencing other symptoms associated with allergies. Reactions from an allergy can show up on your child’s skin in one of many different forms. These are some of the reactions you may see, so you can help your child deal with the symptoms better.

An allergic rash

A rash can develop on your child’s skin after they have touched an object or material they are sensitive to. The rash is known as allergic contact dermatitis. You may notice they are itching severely, their skin has become red, or there may be rough, scaly areas developing on the surface of their skin. This reaction may come from a plant called poison oak, sumac, or ivy and will cause intense itching. The reaction may have developed from the use of nickel products found in earrings, snaps, and buttons as well. Shoes often contain a chemical or dye that causes a reaction in some children, as well as some cosmetics. If you have used a new medication such as an antihistamine, antibiotic, or anesthetic, it may also result in allergic contact dermatitis.

Eczema

If your child has a known food allergy, asthma, or hay fever, it is common for them to develop eczema. This condition starts as a rash on the head or face and can spread to the torso and arms. You will notice red, dry, itchy skin that is easily irritated. When the skin on these areas is scratched, it will lead to more itching.

Other factors that will cause your child’s eczema to become worse are rough fabrics, sweating, dry air, some detergents and soap, and some foods. The foods which often trigger itching with eczema are wheat, soy, seafood, cow’s milk, eggs, and nuts.

Hives

Hives will appear on the skin as itchy red bumps resembling swelling. They will develop as patches. Symptoms can last up to a few minutes, hours, or in some cases a few days. Some of the common triggers that cause hives are latex, pet saliva or dander, viral infections, and certain antibiotics. Other triggers include insect bites, strawberries, seafood, wheat, soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, and nuts.

Some children develop hives without any known reason or trigger. When this occurs, your child may also develop a swelling known as angioedema. You will notice signs of this condition appearing around their soft skin areas such as the genitals, eyes, and mouth.

How to treat your child’s rash

The most important thing for you is to control your child’s itching and discomfort. You want their skin to stay moist and healthy, because dry skin makes itching worse.

  • Keep their skin clean by using a fragrance and dye-free skin cleanser. When you use a harsh soap, it breaks down the barrier built up to protect their skin from irritants.
  • If your child is an infant, keep their mouth dry from drool. Having spit lay on the surface of their skin becomes an irritation and will cause a rash. Babies and young children can’t do as much damage from scratching if their nails are cut short. They will still have the urge to scratch, but they won’t damage their skin as severely.
  • After bathing your child, do not dry them vigorously with a towel. Either allow them to air dry or gently pat them dry and then follow up with a cream or ointment for dry skin. Lotions are not as good as they tend to be watery. Using an ointment stick or cream will provide many more benefits to your child’s skin.
  • When dressing your child, use a cloth that is soft and won’t irritate the affected area. If the fabric is not soft, it will rub against the skin, causing your child’s urge to scratch to increase.

If these suggestions do not relieve your child’s discomfort, you will need to try medical treatments. You should also contact the pediatrician if you notice the rash turning bright red, if it becomes hot to the touch, or if the skin begins to get crusty.

Pediatric allergy testing and treatment in Amarillo, Texas

Call Dr. John Young at (806) 354-0404 in Amarillo, Texas if you have questions regarding your child’s health or would like to learn about our Services. Dr. John Young and his team work hard to provide you and your child with the best clinical experience possible. You can schedule an appointment to have your child tested for food allergies, skin allergies, and eczema. We are located at 1500 S Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo.

When To Go To The Pediatrician For Your Child’s Rash

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If your child develops an itchy rash, you both become miserable. Your child will suffer from irritated skin they can’t make go away, and you will feel frustrated at not being able to comfort them. Scratching can spread the area wider, which makes the issue worse.

It is sometimes difficult to determine the cause of a rash. Rashes can appear from allergies, chickenpox, bug bites, plants, and even medical conditions. Knowing how to deal with your child’s outbreak will help handle their discomfort and stop their scratching.

What causes a rash?

The first thing to understand is the cause of the rash. Rashes will often appear as a result of your child’s skin coming into contact with something irritating. Plants like poison ivy instantly trigger a reaction and there are also chemicals that will cause a reaction when applied to the skin.

Certain illnesses will cause a rash reaction. Measles and chickenpox are common childhood diseases that result in severe rashes. You can reduce your child’s risk of developing these diseases with a vaccine. Check with your pediatrician to know the age your child should receive this vital medicine.

Bites from a creature known as the chigger can create large areas of itchy skin. The bites are not just irritating spots but are areas where larvae have latched onto the skin to feed. If your child has been swimming in a damp area with chiggers, a rash can break out that creates intense itching. The bites from this mite can also become infected. There are other mites and insects whose bites leave itchy red rashes on the skin as well.

Allergies are another cause for breakouts to develop on your child’s skin. You may not even be aware your child is allergic to a substance until you see the outbreak. New medications, new foods, or even material items such as soaps or latex gloves can sometimes cause a rash.

How do you stop your child from scratching?

When your child begins to suffer from a rash, your first instinct is to find relief for them. No matter what caused the outbreak, you have to find a way to stop the itch and decrease the risk of it spreading.

You can help ease itching by washing the area with mild soap and patting it dry with a soft towel. Try to keep the space open and do not cover it with clothing or bandages. If you are having difficulty keeping your child from scratching the rash, you can lay a damp washcloth over it to give them some temporary relief. There may also be over-the-counter anti-itch medications that can help.

When should you seek medical attention?

It is often hard to know when a rash is severe enough to need medical attention. There are a few guidelines to help you such as if the outbreak is severe enough to keep your child from participating in their daily activities.

Other signs to watch for when deciding if you should seek your pediatrician’s help include your child being in pain or unable to sleep. If you notice the rash turning into more of a bruise or its color doesn’t fade after three days, your child may need medical help.

If the rash has developed after your child ate a new food or took a new medication, seek medical attention. The pediatrician will be able to see if it is an allergic reaction. You will want to stop giving your child a substance their body cannot handle. If there is a fever associated with the rash, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Pediatricians in Amarillo, Tx

These are guidelines to follow when your child develops a rash. You are the best judge of how serious an issue is affecting your child. If the rash is making them unusually miserable, a visit to your doctor can always be scheduled as a precaution.

Call Dr. John Young today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn about our Services, including allergy treatments and vaccinations. Our team provides the best possible experience for you and your child. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas if you have any concerns about your child’s health.

The Importance Of Scheduling A Prenatal Visit With A Pediatrician

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It may not be the best idea to wait until you leave the hospital with your baby in your arms to start thinking about a pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that expectant mothers and their families schedule a pediatrician visit before the baby is born. This is an opportunity to address common concerns and questions, such as a concern about immunizations or your own health.

Benefits of visiting with a pediatrician before giving birth

There are many benefits to setting up a pediatrician visit before your baby’s due date. You can concentrate on talking with the doctor about concerns and questions without having to watch your baby at the same time. This type of doctor visit allows the pediatrician to form a picture of the whole family as well. They will ask about medical histories, lifestyles, mental health, high-risk complications, and current medical conditions.

The AAP says that scheduling a prenatal pediatrician visit is especially helpful to first-time parents, new patients, and single parents. Families who have experienced a perinatal death and those who have high-risk pregnancies, multiple gestations, or pregnancy complications can also benefit from early pediatrician visits. Families who are adopting a child may also benefit from this type of doctor visit.

The expectation is that this visit will lay the foundation for a long relationship between your family and the pediatrician. It helps establish trust and address issues that could arise in the future. A pediatrician can also become a needed part of a support network for you and your family.

Considering vaccines

Immunizations are a common concern for expecting mothers, so they should be a subject that you discuss with a pediatrician. Visiting the doctor early gives you time to ask questions and think about the immunizations your child may need. There is much research about vaccines and the protection they offer. All pediatricians follow a standard schedule for immunizations. This was designed to provide the best and safest vaccines at the right time for the most protection.

Immunizations are designed to be spaced out on a specific schedule to make the most of the immunologic response in your child. The guidelines for delivering these vaccines are based on intense study and the best medical research and opinions.

Newborn children only receive one vaccine, so do not get overwhelmed thinking about what he or she will need. Hepatitis B is the only one delivered at the newborn stage. It is often given to your baby before they go home from the hospital or it will be given by your pediatrician soon after birth. Your child will be two months of age before another vaccine is needed.

You and others who will be caring for your baby will need to make sure that you all are up to date on your own vaccines. A pediatrician can help with this step. Caregivers and pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) and the influenza vaccine (flu).

Preparing for a pediatrician visit

Come to your pediatrician visit ready with questions about any concerns you have. The doctor will gather information about your health history, past pregnancies, your plans for delivery, and how prepared you are to take care of a baby. They may also ask about feeding plans, your support system, how you feel about parenthood, childcare and work schedules, mental health, and lifestyle risk factors.

An issue that has received attention in recent years is the experience that some new mothers have with postpartum mental health complications. A prenatal visit with the pediatrician can give you the opportunity to plan ahead for dealing with this condition if it should trouble you. Being prepared helps you identify your needs and get help from your own doctor or mental health professional when your baby arrives.

Looking for a pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

Whether it is the issue of vaccines, wellness care, or postpartum depression, a visit to a pediatrician before you give birth is a good choice. Preparing yourself for your new baby is a great way to give both of you a happy start in your new life.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to find out more about vaccinations, prenatal and postpartum care, and to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required vaccines.

Choosing Between A Pediatrician And Family Doctor For Your Child

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When you need to make a decision about your child’s health, it can be difficult to know whether your pediatrician or family doctor is the best choice. There are advantages to either option, but how do you know which is the better one in the long run? These are some of the pros and cons of a pediatrician and family medical practice to help you make the best choice.

The pros of seeing a pediatrician

A pediatrician is a doctor specializing in the care of children and how to prevent and treat illnesses commonly found in the young. To become a pediatrician, a doctor must go through three full years as a pediatric resident after they have completed medical school. They are trained to understand the development of children. They know what symptoms or signs to look for if your child is experiencing any difficulty or delays in their development.

Children can often make difficult patients. They are generally fearful of strangers and anything they do not understand. A pediatrician will have experience in dealing with these fears and have developed strategies on how to overcome them to calm your child. They also understand how to help make your child more comfortable by creating a calming, child-friendly environment.

Waiting rooms in a pediatric clinic are designed to be more child-friendly than other clinics by offering toys and books to make your child feel more comfortable. You may find kid’s shows playing on a TV and there may even be sugar-free treats offered.

Not only is the experience of going to a doctor scary for your child, but you also may feel some anxiety. Pediatricians understand how parents worry about their child’s health. Many take extra time during office visits to fully inform parents of any health concerns or to answer questions about specific issues.

The cons of choosing a pediatrician

The biggest downside to choosing a pediatrician for your child is that they will eventually become too old to visit their doctor. It is typical for a pediatrician to treat children until they reach the age of 18. Some teenagers prefer to move to clinics that are not geared towards the young as well.

A pediatrician’s focus will be on the health and development of your child. This focus means they may not have a full history of your family. If there are hereditary health issues in your family, a pediatrician will not have this information unless you give it to them. Make sure to disclose any family medical history so it can be added to their medical records if you choose a pediatrician for your child.

The pros of a family doctor for your child

Family medicine covers a wide range of medical symptoms and treatments. Your family doctor will have experience in treating patients in all stages of life suffering from a variety of illnesses. Having your family doctor care for your child will mean you have one doctor treating every member of your family. When your family visits one doctor, it can be more convenient, especially if appointments are made often.

When one physician sees all members of a family, he or she will note any similarity in conditions they may experience. The doctor will have your entire family medical records available to compare and will be aware of any hereditary conditions that may exist.

The cons of a family doctor caring for your child

While a family doctor may have experience in symptoms and treatments, they do not all have experience in dealing with children. They are also not trained in child development and may not look for ways to comfort reluctant patients.

Without the child-friendly environment offered in a pediatric clinic, your child may become fearful of doctor visits. If you do choose to use your family doctor in caring for your young child, bring plenty of entertainment along to make the wait more pleasant.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to learn more about our Services and to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

Getting Ready For Your Child’s Back-To-School Physical

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Many school districts require a back-to-school physical to ensure all students are up-to-date on immunizations and healthy enough to attend school. This is the time of year for you to schedule your child’s physical so they are ready for the start of the school year. When you plan a well-child visit, your doctor will be able to check your child’s complete health development, including physical, emotional, and even social growth.

What to expect during a back-to-school doctor’s visit

During your child’s checkup, the pediatrician will look for signs of scoliosis. This disease is a curvature of the spine best discovered when a person is young so treatment and correction can begin early. Other areas checked for abnormalities include the nose, ears, skin, mouth, and eyes.

Physical exam

The examination of the nose helps to look for any nasal polyps or any other signs of swelling or infections. Your child’s ears are examined to look for signs of infection and ensure they are clear of wax or other build-ups that may inhibit their hearing.

An exam of your child’s mouth will also tell the doctor about their health. The pediatrician will look for bacterial infections including strep throat and other viral infections. Checking the tongue will show the pediatrician how well hydrated your child is and also give them a chance to look for any abnormal growths.

Your child’s eyes are like a window showing what is going on inside their body. The doctor will perform a routine eye exam to check for liver problems, infections, and other signs your child’s health is at risk.</p.

Blood pressure and heart rate are also checked during the exam to listen to your child’s heart pattern and blood flowing through the heart. The doctor will listen for any extra sounds that could mean a murmur is present.

Developmental exam

Your child’s exam will most likely include a check of their fine and gross motor development along with a test of their reflexes. By tapping the knee with a reflex hammer, the pediatrician can determine if the automatic response from the nerves, spinal cord, and muscles is working.

Weight and height are taken and recorded in a chart to track regular growth patterns. Children who are overweight or have a family history of weight control issues and high cholesterol may also have their cholesterol level checked.

As part of the back-to-school physical, the pediatrician may also question your child about their school performance and if they have difficulty making friends or with socialization. These questions help the doctor understand the psychological and behavioral growth of your child.

There may be a conversation about injury prevention as well. The pediatrician will talk with your child about the importance of wearing helmets and gear to protect themselves if involved in sports activities. Drug and alcohol abuse may also be covered, depending on the age of your child.

How to prepare for a back-to-school physical

When you’ve scheduled your child’s back-to-school health exam, you should create a list of questions you want to go over with the doctor. These questions could be related to nutrition or any family medical issues that may affect your child.

If you have been homeschooling your child, you need to ensure an eye and ear exam are performed. These tests are typically done in the school setting and your doctor may not know your child does not attend school outside the home. Let them know if the test will be done outside their clinic.

When to schedule visits with the pediatrician

It is suggested you maintain a regular schedule of well-child visits for your child. This schedule will ensure your child develops a trusting relationship with the pediatrician so they will be able to track any health issues. Besides knowing the timetable of doctor’s visits based on age, it is good to know when to schedule back-to-school health exams. The best time to do this is in the spring and summer. But, you may be able to get your child in for a visit closer to the time school starts.

Most schools and states require that vaccinations be given to your child before they attend classes. The requirements for the doctor’s visit will vary, so be sure to research what your child will need to go to school. If they play sports, the pediatrician will need to do a sports physical along with the regular exam. The school your child will be attending will be able to tell you what forms and records are needed and about their deadlines.

Choose an experienced pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

Whether you need a well-child checkup or have other health concerns, Dr. John Young is a dedicated pediatrician with the experience and knowledge to help you and your child. You can call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo to see how our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you.

What You Should Know About Your Child’s First Vaccines

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Diseases have decreased substantially since the introduction of vaccines. The threat of disease has not been entirely eliminated, but thanks to vaccines, occurrences are much less frequent. One reason the risk remains is that not all parents vaccinate their children. When fewer babies receive their vaccines, more children can become sick. The following are seven diseases parents can help reduce by their having children vaccinated.

Pertussis

Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough”, is an infection of your child’s respiratory tract and is highly contagious. This disease is severe for babies, toddlers, teens, and even adults, but is entirely preventable with a vaccine. Once you’ve been exposed to Pertussis (and are not vaccinated), you can expect symptoms to develop within five to ten days.

Symptoms begin with a runny nose, low fever, and mild cough. Infants with the disease may experience pauses in their breathing patterns. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for the beginnings of the common cold. Over a short time, the cough becomes more severe and sounds like a deep and harsh “whoop” that can lead to vomiting. If your child contracts Pertussis, the cough could become severe enough to cause exhaustion. This disease can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, seizures, or even death. With the DTaP vaccine, you can prevent your child from contracting this dangerous illness.

Polio

Polio is a severe disease that can lead to paralysis. This virus may be transmitted by water and then spread from person to person. Polio attacks the nervous system and once contracted, it cannot be cured. Polio has not come from the United States since 1979, but it was brought into the US in 1993 by someone who was not vaccinated. It only takes one person with polio to bring this disease back. After the vaccine was created in the 1950s, polio cases have mostly been eliminated. The only way to continue keeping Polio out of the country is to get the vaccine.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria causes inflammation of the mucous membranes and is considered highly contagious. This disease can hinder your child’s breathing and ability to swallow. The disease can also cause nerve damage or fatally damage to your child’s heart. The DTaP vaccine is able to prevent your child from catching this potentially fatal disease.

Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is another disease your child is at risk of without a vaccine. It can cause lifelong disability and in some cases even death. This disease is caused by bacteria and is especially dangerous for children under the age of five. Meningitis is the most common disease caused by Hib. It can cover your child’s spinal cord and brain, causing severe damage. Symptoms of meningitis include confusion, high fever, pain from bright lights, poor appetite, vomiting, reduced alertness, a stiff neck, and headaches. The Hib vaccine is the best option to prevent this disease.

Tetanus

Your child’s best defense against this infection is to receive the DTaP vaccine. Tetanus is a severe infection caused by bacterium that can affect your child’s nervous system and brain. This infection can cause stiffness in the muscles, serious breathing problems, and muscle spasms, and even become fatal.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infects the liver and often only affects adults for a short time before they recover. This disease can sometimes occur without symptoms and when they do appear, they resemble the flu. It can lead to more serious conditions such as liver damage or even liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through blood contact and body fluids. A vaccine is necessary to prevent the risk of contracting this disease.

Pneumococcal disease

The pneumococcal disease, also called pneumococcus, is an infection caused by bacterium. This disease can result in an infection of the blood, infection of the middle ear, bacterial meningitis, or pneumonia. Invasive pneumococcal can cause shock and has a risk of death. It can also lead to meningitis or pneumonia, which inflames one or both lungs. Pneumococcus is one of the biggest causes of pneumonia. A vaccine against this disease is the only way to prevent contracting these severe health risks.

Vaccine safety

Some children should not be given vaccines, like those that are mild to severely sick at the time of vaccination. Children who have shown signs of allergies to vaccines in the past, or who are allergic to substances in any vaccine, should not be given certain shots.

Speak with your pediatrician before your child receives their DTaP vaccine and ask about reactions to ensure your child will not have one. The doctor should be able to tell you the risks involved with vaccines, how to spot serious reactions, and what to do if your child is allergic to a vaccine.

Vaccinations in Amarillo, Texas

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to learn more about vaccinations and to schedule an appointment with us. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required Vaccines.

Does Your Child Have Summer Allergies Or A Cold?

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Even though it is never a convenient time for kids to get sick, it seems to be worse when they are not feeling well in the summer. Allergies are usually associated with springtime, and colds are linked with winter. However, both of them can happen to children at any time of the year. It is easy to get confused and mistake one for the other because the symptoms are similar. The following can help you know whether your child has a summer cold or summer allergies.

Kids and summer allergies

Weeds and grasses are the culprits that cause summer allergies. Specific weeds that cause problems are tumbleweed, sagebrush, pigweed, cockle weed, and ragweed. Examples of grasses that cause allergies include Bermuda grass, sweet vernal, orchard, red top, and blue grasses.

Allergies can be caused by indoor or outdoor triggers. Going from an indoor environment with allergens to an outdoor environment with different allergens can make symptoms even worse. The most common symptoms of allergies are itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.

Kids and summer colds

Common colds are caused by a group of viruses that is different in the summer than it is in the winter. While colds are more common in the winter, they can still happen during the summer. Typically, a cold is something you should not be concerned about unless symptoms are accompanied by a high fever or they last longer than two weeks. Summer colds caused by viruses or bacteria often present headaches, fever, body aches, and discolored mucus.

Symptoms that summer allergies and colds share

It can be challenging for you to tell whether or not your child has allergies or a cold because the symptoms of the two are so similar. This is especially the case if your child is new to having allergies.

Common symptoms children experience from the two ailments include fatigue, headaches, stuffy nose, runny nose, coughing, congestion, and a sore throat. Depending on what caused the sickness, symptoms may present as mild, moderate, or severe. Your child’s individual reaction to allergies or colds is also a factor. Between one week and ten days is the duration of a summer cold, while allergy symptoms may last for a longer period of time.

How you can treat summer allergies and colds

Thankfully, the treatment for both allergies and colds is often the same because of the similarity in symptoms. Various recommended treatments include pain relievers, saline spray, over the counter decongestants, cough drops, proper hydration, and rest.

Specifically, allergies may be treated with over the counter antihistamines and eye drops. You may want to use a multi-symptom cold medicine to treat your child as well. The active ingredients in these include a cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, pain reliever, antihistamine, and a fever reducer.

Hot summer days are not the best time to treat children with warm soup or hot tea. Instead, consider a sinus rinse. You could also prepare some iced tea with honey for them. Increase vitamin C intake by serving your child citrus fruit and juices low in sugar. Finally, using a humidifier in their room relieves some of the symptoms of allergies and colds, without adding heat.

Get the right allergy testing and treatment for your child

If you think your child may be suffering from allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Our clinic is a friendly environment your child will enjoy without worry or stress. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 to schedule an appointment or Contact Us by email with any questions or to learn more about our Services. You can also stop by in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. #3 in Amarillo, TX.

5 Seasonal Allergy Tips That Can Help Your Kids

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In the United States, it is estimated that almost half of the population of children are affected by some form of allergy. After a few years of exposure to an outside allergen, children can develop allergic rhinitis. This type of allergy is generally found in children over the age of two. Indoor allergies can develop in children under this age and are usually triggered by dust mites or pet dander.

When your child suffers an allergic reaction, you will notice a number of symptoms. These include a stuffy or a runny nose, puffy eyes, unusual sneezing, scratchy throat caused by post nasal drip and itchy skin, mouth, or eyes. This type of indoor allergic reaction will peak in late childhood and in some cases early adolescence, but should improve or disappear during adulthood.

There are many ways to deal with your child’s allergic reactions that you may not know. The following five tips will help prepare you for seasonal allergies that may affect your child and help both of you deal with symptoms better.

Don’t base outdoor activities on pollen counts

Your local weather station may report overall pollen levels for the day. Some pollens may not be causing allergic reactions in your child, so you do not have to limit outdoor activities immediately due to this type of report.

If your child suffers from a specific seasonal allergy, they are most likely reacting to mold spores or pollens that come out during certain times of the year. Have your child’s pediatrician perform an allergy test to find out exactly which pollens cause a reaction. Once you know which allergens will affect your child, get a report from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology to determine the times they will be active. Monitor outside activity according to what your child is allergic to and when those allergens are a problem.

You can begin your child’s allergy medicine earlier in the year

Your child’s seasonal allergy medicine is usually more useful as a preventive than a treatment. Once the symptoms begin, they are hard to stop, so preventing them from beginning will give your child much more relief. Over the counter medicines such as nose sprays with corticosteroids are the most effective for children two years or older.

Antihistamines are suitable for relieving symptoms after an allergy attack begins, but they are also better taken before symptoms start. Allergy treatments are recommended as a daily dose because they take approximately five days to become effective.

Cold weather can help postpone allergy symptoms

During the colder season of winter, your child will experience fewer reactions to allergens. February or March usually mark the beginning of the warmer season and rain. A rainy spring will cause symptoms to start early and increase as the plants begin to sprout. Once the wet weather leaves, pollen counts will explode.

Other weather conditions can affect your child’s seasonal allergy symptoms. Windy days, as well as warm days, create higher pollen counts. When the weather is calm, the pollen remains on the ground instead of filling the air your child breathes. Calm weather days are great for getting out and experiencing some fresh air, while windy days may be better spent indoors.

There are new allergy treatments for children five years or older

Until April of 2014, children had only one method to help their allergies. Immunotherapy or AIT consisted of shots given one or two times a week or month for three years, and in some cases, up to five years. These shots are designed to provide your child exposure to what they are allergic to so their immune system can become less reactive.

New treatments are now available for children five years and older in the form of oral immunotherapy agents. The pills are absorbed under your child’s tongue and contain an extract of the grass, ragweed, or other allergen causing a reaction. Your child’s pediatrician can prescribe this treatment and monitor their response to the medicine, so ask if this treatment is available in your area.

Honey as an allergy treatment is a myth

A lot of parents believe honey works on the same principle as immunotherapy as the bees collect the pollen from various plants. The sweet taste and thick consistency may assist with children suffering from coughs. However, honey has not been scientifically proven to be a treatment for seasonal allergies.

Get the right allergy testing and treatment for your child

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Our clinic is a friendly environment your child will enjoy without worry or stress. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 to schedule an appointment or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also stop by in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. #3 in Amarillo, TX.

Understanding Vaccines For Your Teenage Or College-Age Child

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Teenage and college-age children have usually had several vaccines by this time in their lives. You are probably still not comfortable watching them get more, even though you have experienced vaccinations with them before. If your teen had no negative reaction from past vaccines, they are unlikely to have them in current and future vaccinations. If they did have a negative reaction to one or more shots, be sure to discuss this with their doctor before they receive any more. It is important to show your teen that you think getting vaccines is an important thing to do. They follow directions from you and need to see that this course of action is necessary.

Some teens have a tendency to faint after a shot or vaccination. It is recommended that they lie down or sit during the administration of a vaccine. Your doctor or the office staff may keep your teen there for about 15 minutes after the vaccination to make sure everything is okay. Knowing the information listed above can help you prepare your teenager or college-age child for their vaccines. The following can also help you know what to do for their next set of shots.

Preparing yourself for your child’s shots

Be sure to bring records of your teen’s past vaccinations with you to the doctor’s office. Usually, vaccines are given after a physical exam and a visit or discussion with the doctor. Ask any questions you have about the vaccines before the office personnel comes in to give the shots. You should also carefully read any paperwork that has been given to you that concerns the vaccines.

Preparing your child for their vaccines

Hopefully, your child does not have any undue stress at this point about vaccines. If your teen is scared of needles, you can try some of the soothing techniques used for younger children. Try blowing on the arm or hand that has been cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Reminding them to relax their muscles may also help.

A child of this age may be more cooperative if you give permission for the vaccine to be administered and then leave the room. Nervous teens may be encouraged to play an electronic game device, listen to music, or have a conversation to help distract them from the vaccination.

After the vaccines have been given

Vaccines might tire your teen out at home after they have been given. The spot on their body where they received the vaccine might be sore as well. If the doctor directed you to give them pain medicine, this might be a good time to give it to them. Try to be understanding and patient if your child is upset. Giving them a cool, moist cloth to hold on the injection site may bring relief. Your teen may be less interested in food over the next 24 hours, so make sure they get plenty of fluids.

Be aware of any reactions that appear after the vaccinations, including rash, unusual behavior, or prolonged fever. If any of these symptoms cause you concern, call the doctor’s office to get information about what to do.

Vaccines that your college-age child might need

Meningococcal vaccines are particularly important for college-age students. This age group has been found to be particularly vulnerable to this illness. A booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine should also be given to protect against each of these serious illnesses. Some believe that your teen should be caught up with all human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines for the protection against genital warts, cervical, and other cancers. Check with your doctor before your child goes off to college to make sure they are current on all recommended vaccines.

Travel related vaccinations

If your child plans to travel outside the US for any period of time, they should visit a travel clinic before they leave. This type of clinic advises and administers any vaccines needed for the part of the world where they will be visiting.

Find the best pediatrician for vaccinations in Amarillo, Texas

Vaccines are an important part of your child’s health. Just as you monitor their medicines, nutrition, and sleep, make sure they are protected from preventable diseases through timely vaccinations. Your teen’s pediatrician will advise you in this area and can help prepare your college-age child for vaccinations as well.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule a vaccination appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our Services, including recommended and required vaccinations.

What You Should Know Before Your Child’s Annual Sports Physical

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More than 40 million kids participate in school sporting activities every year. If your child is involved with school athletic events, you want to be sure they are physically healthy enough to meet the challenges. The risk of injury will be higher during the practice workouts than during the actual games or competitions. Your child should get a sports physical before the season starts to make sure they are prepared from the beginning.

Why your child should have a sports physical

Soccer, basketball, and football report the highest number of sports-related injuries, but other activities actually share the same risks. No matter the type of sport or physical activity your child enrolls in, you should schedule a sports physical before training starts. Having a physical completed will alert you to any issues that could interfere with your child’s ability to compete or prepare for a physical event. Sports physicals are not a suggestion; they are required by most educational institutions, including high schools and colleges, before your child can participate.

What you should know and expect with a sports physical

At your child’s sports physical, the doctor will check their vitals, joints, and flexibility. Have your child attend the physical with comfortable clothing, so their movements are not restricted. You can also expect a short fitness assessment to determine whether or not any physical limits may affect your child’s performance as an athlete.

Some states ask that your child’s immunization record be presented at the time of the sports physical. Before the appointment, you should check whether or not you need to bring this documentation.

During the examination, your child’s vision will be tested and evaluated. If your son or daughter currently wears prescription glasses, it will be determined during the appointment if an adjustment is necessary to the prescription.

With a flexibility check, your child is tested to see if any areas could be prone to injury. The doctor will test your child’s joints, posture, strength, and flexibility. Any concerns with these tests could result in suggested exercises your child can perform to strengthen problem areas to make them less prone to injury.

During the fitness exam

A fitness examination will include checking your child’s ears, nose, throat, lungs, and heart. These tests will determine if any cardiovascular irregularities could restrict or limit your child’s physical activity. Should any issues arise from this part of the sports physical, it will be determined if restricted participation is possible. In some instance, it is deemed that a child cannot perform sports at any level.

Find the best pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s sports physical, call Dr. John M. Young in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. Young and his team work hard to give you and your child the best possible clinical experience. Call us at (806) 354-0404 or Contact Us through email with any concerns you may have, or to learn about our services. You can also our office at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite # 3 in Amarillo to schedule an appointment.