Red Head Question

ldcoffel · May 2013

I have a friend who has a red headed son, 16 months old. He's had a few respiratory issues and now they are thinking he has asthma.

She attributed the asthma to him having red hair. And him being more sensitive to everything because of his red hair.

if you have red hair- has that been your experience as well?

mnewlee · May 2013

Hmm..I've never heard that.

I'm not a redhead but I'm married to one and he's never had any issues like that. Nor is he particularly sensitive to anything allergy wise. Neither of my red headed sils have any issues either as far as I know.

i have read that gingers respond differently to anesthesia and are more resistant to it.That's pretty interesting.

GingerNess · May 2013

The only thing this ginger is extra sensitive to is the sun. Naturally, I burn easier than most other people..however I think I am a different "type" of red head because after I burn I hold a tan really well. I also tan well in a tanning bed [we attribute this to the fact that my dad is Puerto Rican] I also do not have as many freckles as most red heads do.

Anyway, I'm not allergic to anything and up until this year, have never had allergies. I don't have skin sensitivities or any respiratory issues. And I have gone under with anesthesia three times [ages 2, 12, and 20] with no problems. My brother is a red head and he has no issues either.

I've never heard anyone attribute things like that to being a red head...interesting.

solsburyhill · May 2013

Ginger - yes, you are a weird red head, lol, red heads don't tan! (and stay out of tanning beds, they are bad for you!!)

I've never heard of respiratory problems but my OB and my mom (nurse practitioner) say "red heads are bleeders".

I was warned this before I had Augie, that I could bleed more during delivery. In fact, I was a little anemic in my last set of labs and my OB was more concerned because she wants me to have extra iron going into delivery because I'm a red head and more prone to bleed.

Which also was a concern when I started bfing Aug. My mom and OB warned me that because red heads are "bleeders" we can have bigger problems with cracked and bloody nipples. Luckily I used a nipple shield and had no problems.

I personally haven't experienced this extra bleeding by my OB swore to me just this morning that it's not just an old wives tale, that she has truly experienced it in her 25+ years of being a midwife.

ldcoffel · May 2013

Thank you very much.
I didn't believe it and now you have confirmed!

GingerNess · May 2013

Sols I don't go to tanning beds anymore, I promise! Lol I only went once a week for about two months before my wedding. I couldn't go even if I wanted to, who has the time for that?! ;]

I have never been told about red heads being bleeders either...BUT I did almost need a blood transfusion when I had my D and C and I had to get some kind of shot after having T to help stop bleeding. But its weird because with all the blood work I get for my thyroid issues, I've never been told I was anemic. Hmm...

alli&dan · May 2013

I might be reaching here, but I wonder if the red head/respiratory issue correlation might have something to do with fair skin and allergies. Many red heads have fair skin. Fair skin seems to be more sensitive (i.e. allergies) and those with allergies are more prone to respiratory issues and asthma.

I'm not a true red head, but I have a red tint to my hair and fair skin. I have sensitivities and allergies and also has asthma. Same thing for SO. His facial hair has a red hue to it, he has terrible allergies and asthma.

manda26 · May 2013

that's pretty funny.

I do recall reading my moms breastfeeding book from 1979 and it actually said in there that redheads are more sensitive and need to toughen up their nipples more! It was the womanly art of breastfeeding, wonder if it still says that in the current edition?

vnstacie · May 2013

My sister is a red head, she has asthma but not allergies.

shelley1002 · May 2013

My grandfather, my niece, my ex and DH's ex are all redheads and none of them have respiratory issues.

babyAutumn · May 2013

I have never heard that before. I have red hair, as do my father and youngest brother. I also have two red headed children and though we are more sensitive to the sun and some of our emotions, none of us have any respiratory problems.

babyAutumn · May 2013

GingerNess:
The only thing this ginger is extra sensitive to is the sun. Naturally, I burn easier than most other people..however I think I am a different "type" of red head because after I burn I hold a tan really well. I also tan well in a tanning bed [we attribute this to the fact that my dad is Puerto Rican] I also do not have as many freckles as most red heads do. Anyway, I'm not allergic to anything and up until this year, have never had allergies. I don't have skin sensitivities or any respiratory issues. And I have gone under with anesthesia three times [ages 2, 12, and 20] with no problems. My brother is a red head and he has no issues either. I've never heard anyone attribute things like that to being a red head...interesting.

You are one lucky momma! I hate how sensitive I am to the sun. I have even burned in overcast and rainy weather...and I don't think I've ever had what could be considered a good tan. I am so jealous!

Cotton · May 2013

My daughter is a redhead and she actually fits the "sensitive" description. She's the only one here with asthma. Also seasonal allergies and she had a seizure as a toddler with rotovirus. I think she gets sicker, more easily than the other kids. She's also the one who's most sensitive to being hot or cold or clothing irritating her or food tasting funny. Some of those, I also attribute to being second child. That's my personal theory on sensitive children...

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