Protect Your Child from Spring Allergies

Spring is in the air and with it blooms a host of allergies that might leave your little one sneezing and sniffling for days. Each spring, plants release tiny pollen grains into the air. When these enter the nose of an allergic child it sends their hypersensitive immune system into fight mode resulting in what is commonly known as hay fever.

How do you know if your child is suffering from a regular cold or a seasonal allergy?

Spring allergies begin in February and last until early summer. If your child develops a cold at the same time every year, the culprit might be seasonal allergies. Symptoms include sneezing, itchiness in nose, throat and eye, and a runny nose. Unlike a cold, allergies produce a clean and watery nasal drainage.

As pollen counts soar, by knowing what triggers the symptoms and how to avoid these triggers, allergic kids can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle in spring. While flowers are often blamed for pollen, it’s actually rare for heavy flower pollen to contribute to seasonal allergies. On the other hand, pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are very light, stay airborne longer and are harder to avoid.

How can you protect your family from these allergens?

Limit your child’s outdoor play time especially on windy days and during the afternoon when pollen count is highest. Allergy proof your home by keeping the windows and doors closed. Wash hair often and dry clothes indoors as they could act as sponges of pollen and dust mites.

Consult your doctor if the allergy symptoms affect your child’s daily routine. If not, home remedies can provide great relief from hay fever. Prepare a saltwater nose spray by mixing a cup of water with half a teaspoon of table salt in a squirt bottle. Spray it in your child’s nose regularly, twice a day to clear out the allergens. Before your little one steps outside, spread a thin layer of Vaseline inside the lower nostrils to trap pollen. Natural allergy busters include vitamin C from oranges and lemons, honey, chamomile tea and garlic. Continue the remedies throughout the pollen season even after your child feels better to develop their immune system. In this way, you can help your child enjoy a pleasant and allergy-free spring.