Expert Pediatric Allergist Dr. Robert Eitches Says Treat the Symptoms

It’s that time of the year colds, coughs, sleepless nights. And to top it off on Friday, a panel of federal drug officials said that children under age two should not be given the cold and cough medicine that we all depend on and that millions of people currently have in their medicine cabinets. While the FDA considers this before offering a ruling, what’s a parent of a sick child to do? Dr. Robert Eitches says that part of the problem is that parents have trouble distinguishing between allergies and a cold. Many times the two are very similar but there are important differences that should be made not just in diagnosis but in treatment. What can parents do? Dr. Robert Eitches, an expert in pediatric medicine, is available to provide options for parents with sick or symptomatic children. In addition, Dr. Eitches can provide your viewers with a clearer understanding of when to seek medical attention versus going to the local pharmacy. Understand that there are safe OTC products on the market like Claritin including Children’s Claritin. Recognize the difference between a cold and an allergy. While both can cause sneezing, congestion or a runny nose, colds are more likely to start with a sore throat, while allergies are more likely to cause itchy, watery eyes. Colds usually last 7 to 10 days, while allergy symptoms can last longer. If your child frequently suffers from cold-like symptoms, it’s probably allergies and you should seek a non-drowsy allergy treatment. Ģ If your child really does have a cough or a cold, it’s best to talk to your doctor. About Dr. Robert Eitches Dr. Eitches is a Pediatric Allergist, Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and is a practicing allergist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was named Physician of the Year by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Southern California Chapter. He has published many journal articles, delivered numerous regional and national lectures and regularly appears on national and local television. He is also frequently interviewed for Los Angeles Times articles on allergy and asthma-related topics. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35075