Allergies
eyes; and dark circles un- der the eyes. Allergic nasal symptoms may be called allergic rhinitis, which means infl ammation of the nose. It may take several seasons for allergens to cause symptoms for kids. The data from the National Health Inventory Survey show that a respiratory allergy is more common in older, compared to younger, kids.
The good news is that
usually symptoms triggered by spring al- lergens will stop when the season is over, but the bad news is that symptoms during the season can be severe and affect qual- ity of life for child and family. Children can lose sleep, develop sinus infections, miss school and have more problems with asthma due to respiratory allergies. It’s sometimes diffi cult to tell if your child has a virus or allergies. Kids with viruses may have thick or colored nasal drainage, a fever, and symptoms that will resolve in seven to ten days. However, kids with allergies usually have clear drainage, no fever and a seasonal pattern to their symptoms. For example, the allergic child might have “a cold every spring.” Allergy symptoms that occur year round may be caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold or animals.
The best way to prevent spring aller- gies is to avoid allergens. Easier said than done! You cannot keep your child in a bubble, but there are ways to avoid
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Year-round allergy symptoms may be caused by indoor allergens such as animals, mold or dust mites
spring allergens and lessen a child’s exposure:
* Keep your car and home windows closed, and use air-conditioning.
* Encourage indoor play, activity and exercise when pollen levels are high.
* Keep your child indoors during any lawn mowing and leaf raking. (Note that
lawn mowing and leaf raking are not good chore choices for an allergic child.)
* Wash hands and face and change clothes when coming from the outdoors.
* Bathe your kids and wash their hair before they go to bed.
Talk with your health care provider to develop an allergy plan for your child. The plan may include medicines to help relieve spring or pollen allergy symp- toms. Medicines used to treat allergies include: antihistamine pills, liquids or nasal sprays; nasal corticosteroid sprays; decongestant pills or liquids; or leukotri- ene modifi er pills. Your provider will help to determine which medicines are best for your child.
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