Spring Allergies: Keeping The Sniffles Away

April 6, 2015

If the lively season of spring brings with it a host of allergies for your kid, you are not alone. Almost 40 million people in the US suffer from some type of indoor or outdoor allergy, also known as seasonal allergies. Spring, in fact, happens to be the worst season when it comes to children falling sick due to an allergy. So, as you open the windows to let in the fresh air and fragrance, are you also inviting those elements that could give your kid an allergy? We tell you what you should watch out for.

Common Symptoms
If you and your partner have a family history of allergies, especially related to colds or breathing, there are high chances that your kid might also get them. The symptoms might worsen when your kid is outdoors, near flowers and when the pollen count is high. Tree, grass and weed pollen, dander from dogs and cats or even rodents, dust mites, cockroach are all allergens that can result in an allergy. Here are the symptoms that could indicate one:

Your kid has a blocked and stuffy nose that does not clear up even in a week
Watery and itchy eyes
A rash that can appear anywhere on the body
Inflammation in the ear and pain
Fussiness and irritation

Protecting Your Child
1. Spotting It Right: It is important to differentiate between a seasonal cold and an allergy. In case of an allergy, your kid will have nasal discharge that will look clear and watery. In case of a cold, it will be thicker and yellow. If your child looks fussy and also has rashes anywhere on the body, consult a doctor.

2. Keep Infants Indoors: Toddlers and infants suffer the most from spring allergies. It would be wise to keep them at home, especially when the pollen count is high. If your kid falls sick and does not recover in two to three days, schedule an appointment with the doctor.

3. Beware of OTC Medication: While OTC medication can provide some relief, make sure your kid is taking the right one. Always check with your doctor before you give any medicine to your child. You can also ask for a nasal spray or saline drops to soothe his blocked nose.

4. Avoid Pollen: Exposure to pollen is one of the main triggers of a spring allergy. While you cannot keep kids indoors all the time, you can always minimize the exposure. Grass and weed pollen are at their highest during morning, so try and take your kid outdoors in the evening. Use sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes from the pollen. Ensure your kid takes a bath or cleans up after play.

5. Allergy Shots: If prevention does not work and your kid keeps getting sick during spring, check with your pediatrician about the need for an allergy shot.

Always keep a record of your child’s sickness. If you notice that he falls ill during spring every year, he might be allergic to pollen. Discuss this with your doctor and seek his advice on further treatment.