Spring is coming! With the rash of warm weather that we have been having, our least favorite part of spring is almost here; seasonal allergies are repeated or frequent cold-like symptoms that can last for a week or two at a time, around the same time every year. Most allergies are easy to spot by the reaction closely following your child spending time around a particular allergen like cats or pollen. The most common symptoms to look for in your children are:
- Runny nose
- Nasal and sinus “stuffiness”
- Sneezing
- Throat clearing and coughing
- Nose itchiness and rubbing
- Itchy and runny eyes
If your child is experiencing itching or tingling in their mouth and throat, it is a strong sign of an allergy presenting. Other signs outside of respiratory problems could be red, irritated rashes in the bends of elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. If your child has these symptoms, an appointment with our Physicians will help narrow down the cause of their allergies and give you a course of action to help alleviate the symptoms for your child.
Allergies and asthma are often connected, but they are two different conditions. Asthma is a condition that starts in the lungs, while allergies are reactions that begin in the immune system of the body. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergens, exercise, and cold air. If you suspect that your child has asthma, make an appointment with our Physicians immediately.
The most common allergens that your children will be exposed to are dust, different kinds of fungus, furry animals like cats, clothing and other plush objects made with animal hair, latex, and foods like shellfish or peanut butter. To help control your child’s exposure to allergens, try to keep windows closed and use the air conditioner to prevent pollen from circulating inside your home. Mold is common in the spring due to the decaying leaves and plants from the winter, try to keep your children from playing in dead leaves if they have allergies. Try to wash linens weekly and blankets every two to three weeks in hot water to kill dust mites and to remove dust and other allergens.
All treatment for your children’s allergies should start with an appointment with our Physicians. Though there are a lot of over the counter options available to you and your family, it is best to speak with our Providers first to make sure that your child is correctly diagnosed and the symptoms are being treated well. If you have any questions or want to make an appointment, please call, 540-349-3225.