Coping with seasonal allergy symptoms

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Allergies can affect everyone, but they often begin after the age of three, peak in late childhood or the adolescent years, and fade as children grow into adults.

Symptoms often begin in early Spring, depending on your area and allergen. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can provide relief, but some natural DIY remedies may be worth a try as well.

Here are some of the greatest seasonal allergy home treatments to try.

Keep your child away from allergy triggers

According to doctors, the best strategy to treat seasonal allergies in children is to avoid allergens in the first place. Keep track of pollen counts in your area and take appropriate action.

For example, if you know that ragweed is your child’s allergy trigger, limit their outside time on days when the pollen count is highest.

Make your home allergy-friendly

Keep your windows closed, especially when the weather is warm and dry, allowing pollen to drift into the air. Make sure you start the season with a clean air-conditioning filter and replace it every two to three months.

Many allergens flourish in damp conditions, so use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in your house. Consider purchasing a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Pollen cling should be reduced

Pollen, like fine household dust, adheres to clothes, skin, and just about anything else it comes into contact with. Avoid hanging clothes, towels, or sheets outside to dry to keep pollens off items your child uses.

Keep pollen away from your child’s eyes

One of the most distressing symptoms of allergies is itchy, red, teary eyes. The itching is caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. The solution is to keep pollen away from your child’s face.

Experts recommend children with allergies wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat. Kids constantly touch their faces, but with these accessories on, your child will be less inclined to rub their eyes.

Use a saline solution for runny noses

Older children may benefit from nasal irrigation with a saline solution, either purchased or produced at home (most instructions call for mixing distilled or boiled water with non-iodized salt). This flushes out mucus, which helps to reduce nasal congestion.

Neti pots can also be quite effective in relieving congestion.

Keep children away from cigarette smoke

All children with known allergies should be kept away from cigarette smoke, as this can aggravate the child’s allergy symptoms. Exposure to second-hand smoking in public areas should also be avoided.

Make use of cold compresses

Is your child suffering from itchy eyes as a result of nasal allergies? Use a cold compress to relieve the irritation and pain. Also, remind your children not to rub their eyes since this will aggravate the itching and discomfort.

Ensure your child drinks plenty of water

Drinking enough water each day is essential since blowing and sneezing might dehydrate your child. Steam from a warm shower or bath may also aid in the relief of their congested nose.

Stock up on allergy-reducing foods

Any foods that produce natural and high amounts of vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, antioxidants, and other beneficial vitamins and minerals can boost the immune system and are good choices for fighting nasal allergies.

Foods high in antioxidants include raspberries and blueberries, apples, oranges, and red peppers.

When should you seek medical attention for allergies?

Are your child’s symptoms persisting? Consult a doctor who can determine allergies by checking your child and reviewing their medical history. In some situations, the doctor may prescribe blood or skin tests to help reach a diagnosis.

Article: Caxton publication, Alberton Record

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Coping with seasonal allergy symptoms

While there's no cure for childhood allergies, symptoms can be managed. The best thing is to help your child avoid the allergens.

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