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Texas Physicians Caution Parents of Allergic ChildrenSedating Antihistamines Can Create Problems in School |
SourceTexas Allergy and Immunology Society
via ForumsEducation and KidsRelated ArticlesChildren, Elderly, Athletes and Pregnant Women Require Different Care For AllergiesAAFA Provides Tips to Help Parents and Kids Cope with Allergy Season Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18, 1997 -- As if the sneezing, itchy noses, and watery eyes associated with seasonal allergies aren't enough to distract children in the classroom, Texas physicians warn parents that popular over- the-counter (OTC) allergy medications compound the problem and interfere with children's learning and performance in school. "If your child suffers from allergies, you shouldn't automatically go to over-the-counter antihistamines," cautions Dr. Joseph Diaz, a San Antonio allergist who is president of the Texas Allergy and Immunology Society. "Those antihistamines cause drowsiness and will seriously impair a child's ability to learn, function, and socialize in school. This is a serious problem in Texas because it's estimated that at least 40 percent of Texas schoolchildren suffer from 'allergic rhinitis' or seasonal allergies and more than 140,000 days of school are missed each year due to allergies." Dr. Diaz added, "Fortunately, there are prescription non-sedating antihistamines approved for children that provide relief of allergy symptoms with little or no drug induced drowsiness." Yet, many parents may face another barrier to proper treatment. In an attempt to cut their costs of prescription medications, some Texas managed care organizations have targeted allergy medications. Those health plans are making it difficult, if not impossible, for patients insured under their programs to obtain unrestricted access to non-sedating antihistamines that their doctors would normally prescribe. The Texas Allergy and Immunology Society has voiced its concerns in a recent letter sent to the medical directors and pharmacy directors of Texas managed care plans. Dr. Diaz said, "It's been shown that the non-sedating antihistamines are superior to the conventional over-the-counter antihistamines and the performance of the child academically is improved. There is no question the physician should have the opportunity to prescribe what he or she decides is the most appropriate medication for children or any patient suffering from allergies." The issue is particularly sensitive in Texas where more than 3 million people are believed to suffer from seasonal allergies. In addition to the 140,000 missed school days, Texans lose an estimated one-half million work days each year due to allergies. In addition to concerns about children with allergies, the Society's letter also addresses workplace and highway safety. It cites one recent study that shows workers taking OTC sedating antihistamines are 50 percent more likely to have an accident on the job than are their unmedicated coworkers. Another study shows the driving skills of persons taking sedating antihistamines to be equivalent to those of persons with a blood alcohol level of .05 mg/dl. In most states, drivers with a blood alcohol level of .10 mg/dl are considered legally drunk. The Texas Allergy and Immunology Society is an organization of approximately 200 board-certified Texas allergists and immunologists. CONTACT: Connie Mawer of Texas Allergy and Immunology Society, 512-451-6108; after 8-19, Kelly of Joseph Diaz, M.D.'s office, 210-616-0894 |
