healthykids
Against Seasonal Allergies
Tips to Help Children Breathe Easier
Common Sense Defenses
by Bevin Wallace
F
or one in seven U.S. children, spring brings the start of seasonal allergies that can last through the fall. Seasonal allergies such as hay fever and allergic
rhinitis occur when an airborne allergen comes into contact with nasal membranes, triggering the release of infl ammatory histamines. The result can be sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing and runny nose. While not life threatening, these symptoms tend to interrupt a youngster’s sleep, weaken concentration and keep him or her from participating fully in play and school. Over-the-counter allergy medications can bring relief, but like other conventional drugs, they are not without drawbacks. “I don’t think decongestants and antihistamines are appropriate for kids, period,” states Randall Neustaedter, a doctor of Oriental medicine and a homeopathic pediatrician. “They tend to make kids tired, and they don’t really address the problem. They’re like putting a Band-Aid on the symptoms. It’s more important to build up immune system function, which these medications do not do.”
Long-term use of antihistamines also has been linked to depression, anxiety and impaired thinking. A better approach is to gently and naturally
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reduce a child’s contact with allergic substances while boosting the immune system. Here’s how.
Steps for Prevention
1. Clean inside air.
Install a high effi ciency particulate air (HEPA) fi lter, which removes pollen and dust from indoor air, and keep it running in the child’s bedroom 24 hours a day. The portable models work fi ne in smaller rooms and cost less than $100. On windy days and while the child is sleeping, keep the windows shut. If possible; remove old carpeting and cover air vents with fi lters; vacuum frequently when children are not in the room; avoid using ceiling fans; and
wash all bedding and stuffed animals once a week.
2. Keep the nose clean.
It might take some getting used to, but rinsing the sinuses with a warm saline solution (salt water) is an excellent, age- old, natural remedy that helps reduce contact with pollen and lessens allergy symptoms. Sinus rinse kits are available in stores and online for about
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