‘Tis the Season for Sneezin’

How to Help Keep Your Kids Allergy Free without Meds

Spring has finally arrived.  But unfortunately accompanied along with the nicer weather, blooming flowers and budding trees, is allergy season.  Close to four million kids suffer from seasonal allergies every year.  Allergies are triggered by pollen or mold spores.  Many trees, grasses and weeds contain small and light pollens that are easily carried by the wind, causing allergy symptoms.  Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, nasal congestion or drainage and frequent throat clearing.

But don’t despair, allergy symptoms can be minimized.  Some tips below may offer your child a sneeze-free spring.

• Limit outdoor school and extracurricular activities in the morning when pollen counts are the highest.
• Do a thorough spring cleaning:  windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms.
• Avoid having your child play outdoors on recently mowed lawns and ball fields.
• Check pollen and mold counts.  Mold spore counts are high after a heavy rain.
• Keep the windows in your home closed especially in your child’s bedroom; avoid using fans that may draw pollen inside. If possible, use air conditioning during the warm weather to keep airborne allergens out of your home.
• Talk to your pediatrician about allergy medications that are safe for children and won’t make them drowsy.  The time to start allergy medication is before allergy season strikes.
• Wash your child’s bedding weekly in hot water.  Dry laundry indoors; sheets and clothing hanging on a clothesline are prime targets for blowing pollen.
• Have your child shower after being outside to rid the pollen from hair and skin.
• Have your child change into fresh clothing after being outside for an extended period.
• Have your child wash hands after petting animals that have been outside because pollen settles on their coat.
• Try and separate ‘indoor’ shoes from ‘outdoor’ shoes to limit tracking of pollen throughout the house
• Don’t ask kids with allergies to help with yard work. 

Hopefully following the recommendations above will lead to an enjoyable outdoor spring for your child without the hassles of seasonal allergies.