29 Jan A Guide For Kids With Allergies
Your child’s health can be unpredictable at times. Especially pertaining to kids with allergies. Even when they’re just playing outside, children are susceptible to health risks. For example, you might not know if your child has allergies from outdoor elements, so a simple day at the park can trigger some allergy symptoms or reactions. However don’t fret, you can still keep your child safe and comfortable with some knowledge under your belt and a few informative tips.
Child Allergy Indicators
Aside from speaking with an allergist, here are five ways to tell if your child is showing signs of allergies.
1.) Allergy symptoms are sometimes easy to identify based on patterns and exposure. Some signs can mimic cold-like symptoms, but allergy symptoms tend to last longer.
Signs to look out for:
- Eyes: irritated, swollen/red, and watery
- Ear, Nose, Mouth, and Throat: blocked ears, itchy blocked nose, sneezing, swollen lips or tongue, itchy or sore throat
- Lungs: coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing
- Skin: itchiness or rashes
- Stomach: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
2.) Keeping track of when your child shows symptoms/reactions can help indicate if they have seasonal allergies and can also pinpoint the cause.
3.) Allergies to Pollen are seasonal so if your child is showing symptoms at the same time each year, this might be the outdoor allergy trigger.
4.) Allergy triggers can also occur indoors, especially during Winter.
5.) A child can also have allergies due to genetics.
Common Allergens
Knowing what your child is allergic to is the easiest way to prevent allergic reactions. Early identification will improve your child’s quality of life in the long run and will reduce any potential life-threatening hazards.
Common allergens that trigger children:
- Outdoors: pollen and insects
- Indoors: bacterial enzymes, animal fur/dander, dust mites, and mold
- Irritants: smoke, perfume, and car exhausts
- Foods: peanuts, dairy, and fish
Different allergens appear during the changing seasons and if your child has seasonal allergies, it’s important to pay attention to the weather and pollen count.
Allergen changes during the seasons:
- The pollen count is high when days are hot and windy. Generally in the Spring and Summertime is when pollen is most potent.
- In late Summer and Fall, ragweed and pollen levels are at their highest, especially in the mornings. Certain molds are also common during these seasons.
Tips
Allergy symptoms are manageable for adults, but for kids with allergies, it can sometimes be stressful. While some allergies can change and go away over time, it is key to know how to combat them as soon as your child starts showing symptoms.
Here are some tips to aid your child:
1.) Limit your child’s time outside when the pollen count is high. It’s best to also keep doors and windows closed to avoid any contamination. Make sure to change their clothes and shower after their time outside to remove any outside pollen or mold.
2.) Keep a clean house. Dust mites and indoor molds thrive in areas where moisture is plentiful. Furnishings like mattresses and pillows trap dust and mold so it’s recommended to wash your sheets weekly.
3.) Make sure that your home is smoke-free. Whether it’s cigarettes, candles, or incense- smoke is bad for the lungs and nose.
4.) Keep your pets groomed and possibly outdoors if your child has allergies to pet fur.
Allergy Shots and Medicine for Kids
If you are not sure what your child is allergic to we recommend getting them allergy tested to figure out the diagnosis and treatment plan. If regular allergy medication is not effective, speaking with a pediatrician or an allergist for immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also be suggested.
Contact Us
If you’re struggling with allergies, asthma, or eczema- don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with one of McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic’s esteemed allergists today. Call 713-661-1444 or visit mcgovernallergy.com.