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The most tell-tale signs that the season has changed, however, are the runny noses, sneezing and itchy, watery and puffy eyes from springtime allergies.
When trees start budding, flowers blooming and grass growing (for some people, anyway), pollen counts begin to soar. Different months offer different pollens to sneeze at.
Early spring generally causes allergic reactions to pollen from trees, early to midsummer from grass and flowers, and late summer until frost is generally from ragweed.
Allergies can develop in babies, toddlers or any time during a person’s life. They tend to be chronic, showing up yearly and as welcome as unwanted relatives who linger too long.
Allergies have a genetic component, so you can blame Grandma Gesundheit for some of your misery.
Symptoms include watery and itchy eyes, tingling drippy noses, coughing, head-aches, nasal stuffiness, sore throats and a sense of ear fullness.
Surviving allergy season is usually accomplished best through a combination of preventive measures and allergy medications.
When the weather gets warmer, it is great to open up the windows to let in the fresh air. For those of us who are a few years behind with the cleaning, however, the breeze may blow dust around the house, making allergy symptoms worse. Avoid the sandstorm by doing some spring cleaning to reduce allergens.
Try vacuuming with a small particle or high-efficiency particulate air filter. Wash sheets, towels and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees. Consider using allergen-proof mattress covers and pillow covers for those whose allergies include dust mites or for those who simply can’t stand the thought of dust mites. Once this is done, whoop it up for being done with the dreaded annual spring cleaning event.
When allergies are at their worst, close up the house so allergens stay out. Try to keep your child with allergies in an air-conditioned environment as it keeps air cool, dry and clean. This may be best accomplished by entertaining Drippy or Sneezy in an allergen-free theatre or Headache Arcade for the day.
Try not to be resentful toward your child when the electric bill comes, and you realize you are spending your retirement fund on his comfort. Using a dehumidifier in the bedroom also will help.
Encourage your child to shower nightly, not only to keep the sheets clean longer and avoid washing them again, but also to wash off pollen which clings to the body and hair. Wash pets frequently also, as pollen can stick to their fur.
Despite creating a clean house and providing clean blankets in a dehumidified, cool and sterile bedroom, also excuse your child from chores such as pulling weeds and lawn mowing so allergies do not escalate. Apparently, allergies have an upside.
To reduce symptoms, do not drive with windows down, especially when in the country or on dirt roads, and do not hang out on farms, in smoky places, anywhere outside, in polluted areas, out in the country, around fresh flowers, dying flowers, in public bathrooms or dark alleys.
If these measures do not alleviate allergies completely, talk with your pediatrician regarding medications. Antihistamines are beneficial at blocking histamine, which causes allergy reactions.
Many good over-the-counter options provide relief from itchy eyes, sneezing, runny noses and other symptoms. Some of the newer brands, such as Claritin, have fewer side effects such as sedation than some of the older brands. Allergy medications work best when taken early and regularly during allergy season.
Nasal decongestant sprays are helpful at relieving nasal congestion, though use with caution as they can cause rebound stuffiness if used for more than a few consecutive days. There are prescription options when others don’t do the trick, some of which are safe for babies.
Allergy season can be miserable for kids and worse for parents who have to maintain a cool and clean house while entertaining children indoors.
Taking a few steps to avoid the allergens and treating the ones you can’t will help the season run smoothly instead of the nose.
