Spring is a fun time to be outside with blooming flowers and green trees, but for many of us, it is also the start of allergy season! Spring allergies are often triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Our immune system can overreact, leading to what is commonly called hay fever.
Some common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, watery, red eyes, and coughing. These symptoms can be mistaken for a cold or virus. Allergies tend to last longer than a cold and don’t typically include a fever.
Allergies can be more than annoying. They can affect adults and children in a variety of ways, including poor sleep, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Here are some tips for reducing symptoms.
Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use air filters and purifiers when possible. On high pollen days, keep windows and doors closed.Change Clothes After Playing Outdoors: Pollen can get trapped in clothes and shoes, causing more discomfort long after your child comes indoors. Changing their clothes can help reduce symptoms.
Wash Hands and Face: While playing outdoors, wash your child’s hands and face as often as possible. This removes built up pollen.
Limit Exposure: If your child is very sensitive to pollen, choose to play indoors when pollen counts are very high.
If your child’s symptoms continue or are drastically affecting their daily activities, it might be time to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend additional treatments to manage their symptoms safely.