Ah-Choo! Yes, it’s that time of year again, and it’s often dreaded by allergy sufferers. Allergies are more than just a nuisance. It’s difficult to function well when your body is fighting an invasion by mounting an all-out immune response. As a matter of fact, most adult allergy sufferers will tell you it’s downright miserable.
So imagine enduring springtime allergy season as a youngster. While their friends are outside enjoying the lovely spring weather, they may have to stay indoors to avoid the pollen that makes them sneeze and their eyes water. Luckily, there are ways you can help them cope with their symptoms and feel better.
Knowing the following about allergies will help keep your children healthy and happy during springtime allergy season:
Recognition.
The symptoms of allergies are similar to a cold. Itchiness of the throat and eyes and sneezing, along with nasal congestion and clear drainage, signal that it’s allergies. If a fever and thick discolored drainage are present as well, then it is likely to be a cold.
Talk to your doctor about suspected allergies. He or she can evaluate and, if necessary, refer you to an allergist for a specific diagnosis. Untreated allergy symptoms, on top of making your child pretty miserable, can actually be a root cause for problems in school, such as fatigue and poor concentration, especially if they’re not getting the rest they need.
Age.
Children as young as three can suffer from seasonal allergies. Indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites can cause symptoms in kids as young as one year. It’s possible that we may ‘grow out’ of some allergies, but they often persist well into adulthood.
Seasonal vs. Indoor.
Seasonal allergies are the result of a reaction to pollen and occur mainly in spring when plants are actively pollinating. However, many kinds of grass and weeds (especially in the south) produce pollen well into summer and sometimes throughout the fall. Indoor (or perennial) allergies result from reactions to many common indoor triggers such as mold and pet dander.
Heredity.
Parents pass allergic response along to their children, but not sensitivity to specific allergens. In other words, your kids may have allergies if you do, but they may not be triggered by the same allergens.
Medications.
Antihistamines (with brand names Claritin®, Allegra® and Zyrtec®) which help treat allergy symptoms are available in children’s formulations. These medications are effective at relieving sneezing and itching, but not for nasal congestion and drainage. Nasacort®, now available over the counter, is a nasal spray that is effective in relieving all seasonal allergy symptoms, including congestion and drainage. You may wish to consult with your doctor about allergy medications for your child, even over-the-counter ones.
Defense.
Keeping the outdoors out is a good defensive strategy for seasonal allergies. This means keeping doors and windows closed, using the air conditioning (perhaps installing supplemental air filtration), and putting portable air filters in bedrooms. Have kids bathe and wash their hair before bed if they’ve been playing outside. For indoor allergens, keep bedding and the mattress/box springs clean, vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum canister, and keep pets away from the kids’ sleeping areas.
Spring and summer should be filled with fun times, and not feeling miserable because of allergies. Knowing what you’re up against and how to fight it will help make allergy season more fun for all.
Related Resources
Cleveland Clinic Spring Allergies: 8 Top Ways to Help Your Child
Parents Spring Into Allergy Season