4 Ways to Help Manage Your Child’s Seasonal Allergies

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, you have seen how much of a nuisance it can be for them. It can be very frustrating as a parent to see your child struggle while being unsure of how to help them. Read on to learn 4 ways to help your child deal with seasonal allergies and help to alleviate their symptoms. 

1. Consult Their Doctor 

If it is their first time getting allergy symptoms in the spring, it can be hard to distinguish if it’s allergies or a cold. Check to see if they are rubbing their eyes a lot or if their symptoms are worse after they have been outside.  If the allergies are making it hard for them to go through their everyday routine, it’s time to bring them in to see their pediatrician. Their pediatrician will be able to help prescribe them something or refer them to an allergy specialist or asthma clinic. 

2. Reduce Pollen Exposure

Although this can be hard to do with a child who likes to get outside, pollen avoidance can be the best treatment of allergies. Pollen in the air usually peaks in the morning, so avoid bringing them outside during the time of day if possible. Encourage them to play outside in the late afternoon and evening when pollen levels are lower. Many weather sites will show pollen levels throughout the day. It can be a good idea to check this before making plans where they will be outdoors. 

Although it can be hard to always keep the windows shut during nice spring and summer weather, keeping the windows open allows for pollen to get in the house. Keeping the windows shut can be worth it to help them breathe. If you notice that they still have symptoms when inside, you may consider investing in an air filter. You can get one for your air conditioning or a personal one for their room if they have trouble sleeping at night.

3. Wash Up After Being Outside

It can be hard to discourage your child from going outside, and you want to allow them to enjoy the summer months outside with their friends. However, you don’t want this to greatly worsen their seasonal allergies. One of the ways to alleviate some of this is to wash up immediately after they are outside. Washing their hands after each time, showering, and changing clothes when coming inside for the night, reduces the amount of pollen that’s getting inside. Others living in the house washing up as much as possible when coming inside will also help lower the pollen levels. This is especially important in their bedroom so they are still able to get a good night’s sleep. If your child currently showers in the morning, try seeing if switching to showers before bed helps the allergies at night. 

4. Relieve Symptoms

Just like when they have a cold, you can do things at home to help them deal with the symptoms of seasonal allergies. A hot shower can help reduce congestion and a cold compress can help with itchy eyes. Like when their body is fighting a cold and needs extra sleep, it’s important they also get plenty of rest when their body is trying to fight against allergies. Make sure to ask your child’s pediatrician for any other advice to help relieve their symptoms. 

It’s important your child’s allergies are treated as quickly as possible so they can focus on school and all of their other activities. Bringing them to a pediatrician for allergies can make sure there is nothing else going on and make sure you are treating them as effectively as possible. If you are in need of a new pediatrician for your child, start with an online search to find one that can treat allergies. For example, searching ‘pediatrician Houston, TX’ will give you a list of providers in the Houston area. You can then go through to see what one would be a good fit to help your child manage their allergies.