Is your child suffering from a runny nose, watery eyes, and non-stop bouts of sneezing? Then they are more than likely experiencing seasonal allergies. These types of allergies can be hard to deal with, especially during the spring and summer months when spending time outdoors becomes more prevalent among families.
If your child is dealing with seasonal allergies, we can help! Keep reading this blog to gather a few helpful tips so your child can put those allergies to rest.
Pediatrics on Demand is here to help. Call today — (708) 424-0900
Seasonal Allergies: A Closer Look
Seasonal allergies affect millions of children every year. According to a 2018 report from the CDC, in the United States alone, 5.2 million children were reported to have hay fever in the past 12 months. An even more staggering 7.1 million children were reported to have respiratory allergies during the same time period.
The most common type of seasonal allergy is hay fever. The symptoms—runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing—are very well known. They occur when airborne irritants—like tree and flower pollen in the spring and summer or weed pollen during late summer or fall—enter our eyes, nose, and throat. This, in turn, results in an allergic reaction.
How to Avoid Exposure to Allergens
If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, avoiding the culprits may be difficult, but not outright impossible. By minimizing exposure to pollen and other allergens, your child may be able to avoid experiencing the symptoms.
How to minimize exposure to seasonal allergens:
- Make sure your child washes their hands and face with soap and water after they come home from school or playing outside. This will stop them from rubbing pollen in their eyes or nose.
- If your child suffers from allergies at night, then they should take their bath at bedtime. This way, any allergens they might’ve been exposed to during the day will be washed off before going to bed.
- Keep tabs on pollen levels in your area. There are several resources—such as Pollen.com or The Weather Channel—that include current, up-to-date information and forecasts relating to pollen. If the pollen count is high, keep outdoor activities at a minimum.
- Make sure the windows in your home or car are closed. Although it may be tempting to open windows during the warm spring and summer months, this may inadvertently welcome allergens into your home. Instead, use your air conditioner to keep your home cool. Most importantly, make sure your AC has a new filter installed to further reduce allergens.
Pediatric Treatment for Seasonal Allergies
Even if you’ve done everything in your power to save your child from experiencing seasonal allergies, they may still fall prey to the dreaded symptoms. The battle isn’t over yet, however. Oral antihistamines are often the recommended route parents should take when it comes to allergy treatment. Eye drops may also provide some relief.
When it comes to pediatric allergy medicine, there are quite a few options and varieties. As always, make sure to speak with your child’s pediatrician about the best course of action and read medicine labels carefully before administering.
Choosing the Right Oral Antihistamines for Your Child
As their name suggests, these over-the-counter medications are taken orally and may help to alleviate your child’s symptoms. Odds are you’ve tried a few of these medications in the past. In fact, your child may benefit from oral antihistamines that have helped you or other family members. Try out the pediatric version of the antihistamine and ask your child how they feel.
- First-Generation Antihistamines
- These antihistamines are known for making people drowsy. They also don’t last too long. We recommend avoiding first-generation antihistamines as your child may get drowsy while at school and it may affect their day. If necessary, first-generation antihistamines can be taken closer to bedtime so your child can sleep through the night without struggling with allergies
- Second-Generation Antihistamines
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- Second-generation antihistamines may seem like the direct antithesis to their first-gen brethren. They last longer, cause less sleepiness and only need to be taken once per day.
If your child’s symptoms seem more severe than usual, then allergy testing may be beneficial.
Pediatrics on Demand is Here to Help!
Although they may be “seasonal,” the symptoms these allergies cause can bring your child’s day to a sudden, uncomfortable halt. Pediatrics on Demand is here to help. We go above and beyond for our patients, no matter how severe or minor their health concerns may be.
So, if your child is experiencing a runny nose that just won’t stop, bring them to our clinic. We’ll provide them with the treatment and medical care they deserve.
Call Pediatrics on Demand today to learn more! (708) 424-0900