Warmer weather, spring showers, blossoming trees and budding flowers are all signs that mark the arrival of spring. For kids, it is a fun outdoors time.
However, for many, the arrival of spring signifies the start of allergy season.
Rather than fun picnics and patio cocktails, it means the arrival of itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing and coughing.
For allergy sufferers, spring is often the most awful time of the year. For children, in particular, allergies can cause havoc, as the reaction of the immune system is similar in effect to the invasion of foreign substances on the body.
According to doctors, distinguishing spring allergies from the common cold is very hard, as the symptoms are often very similar. The most common symptoms include itchy nose and eyes, runny nose and sneezing, watery eyes, dark circles under eyes, sore throat, and dry cough.
Allergy symptoms can be caused by a range of things, from pollen to molds, fungi and dust mites. The pollen of weeds, grasses, trees and mold releases a very fine powder to pollinate and fertilize other plants and it is this powder which causes spring allergies in most children.
Simple tips to relieve kid’s spring allergy symptoms
While spring allergies are common among children and can make their lives miserable, there are ways of keeping them at bay. With a little planning, struggle and common sense, you can control your child’s allergy symptoms during the spring season or perhaps even permanently.
Reduce your child’s suffering by following a few simple tips:
- Make use of over-the-counter antihistamines. Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Clarinex are most commonly used to reduce symptoms like itchy eyes and nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, and, seldom, scratchy throat. According to FDA recommendation, even younger infants and children can take to control their allergies.
- Steroid nasal sprays are also effective in controlling your child’s spring allergy symptoms. Nasonex, Flonase, Rhinocort Aqua, Nasacort AQ are commonly used steroid nasal sprays for kids below six years.
- Keep the doors and windows of your home closed as much as possible. Sealing off the home completely from the outside is impossible, but you can prevent the entry of pollens and outdoor molds.
- Also, close the windows of your car while traveling. It helps keep pollen, dust and mold out. Remember to do this particularly when the weather turns pleasant and tempts you to feel the fresh air.
- Control your child’s outdoor activities, especially in the early mornings (5am to 10am), as pollen counts are highest then. Also, keep kids inside on windy days when pollen and molds are blown about.
- Make it a routine to take a shower and change clothes after you have come in from outside, as pollen can accumulate on your clothes and hair.
