5 Ways to Control Spring Allergies & Asthma in Kids
Spring has officially sprung! Along with the sunny weather, blooming flowers, and playful pool days, also comes the height of both allergy and asthma season. Spring can become a challenging time for your kids when a runny nose, itchy eyes, and dry coughing keeps them from participating in all springtime has to offer. Both allergies and asthma can develop in a child at an early age. Approximately 7% of children, 5.2 million, are affected by either asthma, allergies, or even both, making them one of the most common chronic childhood conditions.
Allergies occur when a child's immune system encounters a particular allergen that does not react well with their body, causing discomfort in their eyes, ear, nose, throat, and mouth area. Allergies have also been linked to overall body discomfort as well as can trigger Asthma. Asthma involves both constriction and inflammation of your child’s airways that creates difficulty with breathing normally. When Asthma cannot be properly controlled, an Asthma Attack can occur. In some cases, Asthma Attacks are triggered by environmental allergens but can happen on their own without an allergen.
Whether your child is prone to springtime allergies or asthma, and even a combination of both known as Allergic Asthma, it is important for you to know ways you can control your child’s allergy and asthma onsets. Below are 5 ways in which you can get ahead and take control of your child’s springtime Allergies and Asthma.
1. KNOW YOUR CHILD'S TRIGGERS
Luckily both allergens and asthma triggers have a root cause. Whether it is grasses, trees, or airborne allergies, knowing what exactly is causing your child’s onset will help you avoid problems altogether. If you are unsure what may be triggering your child’s allergies or asthma onset, speak with your healthcare provider about having your child receive a simple allergy screening.
2. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO POLLEN COUNTS
Pollen is one of the number one leading causes of an allergy or asthma onset. Oftentimes the peak of airborne pollen happens in the afternoon periods. If your child is having a consistent issue with airborne pollen triggering asthma or allergies, try and schedule their outdoor activity time in the mornings and find fun activities for your child indoors in the afternoons.
3. RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS AND BE READY WITH TREATMENTS
Knowing if your child is having asthma or allergy flare-up can help you when it comes to providing relief for your child’s symptoms.
Common allergy signs include:
Sneezing
Dry Cough
Congestion
Headaches
Overall Itchiness
Eyes, Ears, Throat, Or Nose discomfort
Common asthma signs include:
Shortness of breath
Tightness in chest
Wheezing
Coughing
4. TRY TO KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED
Although having fresh air roam through the household or cracking the windows in the car while listening to music seems like a good idea, oftentimes this is increasing airborne allergies in your child’s atmosphere. Increases in airborne allergens can cause unwanted allergies or asthma triggers in children. Not only will closing the windows keep pollen and other airborne allergens out, but it will also keep fresh, ventilated air in.
5. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICATIONS
Thankfully, there may be a simple solution for the relief of your child’s allergy or asthma symptoms. Many common allergens and asthma triggers can be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you stay on top of a consistent medication schedule, you may be able to see an immediate decrease in your child’s allergy and asthma onsets.
No one wants to spend time during the spring worrying about if their child is going to have an allergy or asthma onset. With these 5 tips, you can manage your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms and not only bring relief to them but also limit the risk of them producing a larger issue. Learning to avoid triggers or getting ahead of them with medication will ensure your child will be back outside, playing and enjoying the springtime weather in no time!
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