For some it's triggered by allergies, but for others, it can be triggered by certain infections. Dr. Mills says, "If they have productive mucous, if they've got a fever, chills, anything like that, then we would believe more likely at that point to have some type of an infection."
An infection like bronchitis, or pneumonia would be the concern. Dr. Mills says if your child is having any trouble breathing, they would definitely need to see the doctor. He says an allergy-related cough would be worse when outside, and there would be no fever, no chills, no productive cough.
He says he's also seeing enterovirus right now, or the summer sore throat virus. "A lot of kids come in with a pretty severe headache and a pretty severe sore throat, maybe some belly pain, and also some loose stools. They may run a pretty good fever, 103 or 104, so it can be pretty impressive."
Dr. Mills says there's no treatment for enterovirus so you need to treat the symptoms which usually last anywhere from 3 to 5 days, but sometimes up to a week.
He's also seeing heat-related illnesses, bug bites, and lots of sunburns. He says sunscreen is critical. And drink lots of fluids when it's hot and humid.
