As spring bursts into full bloom, people with seasonal allergies start to sniffle. If your child has seasonal allergies, it can be a challenging time of year! May is National Asthma and Allergy awareness month, well-timed for those with springtime and summer allergies.
Dr. Gyula Soos has years of experience supporting children and families who are living with pediatric allergies and asthma. He provides expert care to pediatric patients from in and around Dublin, Georgia. Here are some of the pieces of medical advice Dr. Soos gives to parents about managing children’s seasonal allergies.
If your child has allergies, certain substances can act as a trigger for uncomfortable and potentially even life-threatening symptoms. These substances aren’t dangerous to other children, but cause your child’s immune system to go into overdrive.
Potential allergy triggers are known as allergens. Common allergens include pollen, mold, animal dander, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, latex, insect stings, and even some medications. Some allergens, like pollen, become much more prevalent at certain times of the year. In the spring, pollen is everywhere, triggering allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy noses, in sufferers of all ages.
Allergies can also result in symptoms including hives and itching, swollen lips and eyelids, and nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For children with seasonal allergies, it can be hard to enjoy the warmer weather. Allergy symptoms may interfere with your child’s ability to focus on schoolwork and hobbies, and keep your child from participating in outdoor activities.
With Dr. Soos’ guidance, you can put together a plan to manage your child’s allergies through the spring and summer seasons. You should plan on continuing your child’s allergy treatment plan for the duration of pollen season. Even if symptoms temporarily clear up, without treatment, your child’s allergies could just flare up again.
It’s best to reduce your child’s exposure to the allergens that trigger symptoms. If your child reacts allergically to airborne pollen, pay attention to the pollen forecast in your area, and plan accordingly. Keep children who react to grass and weed pollen inside for the morning hours when pollen count is typically worst, and create an allergen-free zone for them to rest in at home with a HEPA or personal air filter.
Over-the-counter remedies including non-sedating antihistamine medications, saline sprays, and nasal corticosteroid sprays may be helpful for your child. Some allergy medications even come in specialized children’s formulations! Talk to Dr. Soos about the right dosage for your child’s growing body. Dr. Soos may also be able to use immunotherapy to reduce or eliminate your child’s allergic response.
For help managing your child’s allergies this summer, get in touch with Dr. Soos Pediatrics today. You can book your appointment online, or call now to schedule.
