How To Keep Summer Allergy Symptoms In Check

Summers are the most awaited time of the year for a kid as it is followed by a long-term vacation. It gives the children an opportunity to take a break from their daily routine, relax and enjoy their time with family and friends. Every child eagerly waits for the summers with the hope of doing something worthwhile that liberates them from the monotonous and as usual routine of school and studies.

But summer means soaring temperatures, hot dusty wind, humidity, and above all different kinds of allergies. Amidst all these, taking care of children becomes an additional challenge and slip-ups often cost heavily both on the pocket and the mind.

Interestingly, children become extra active during this period and expose themselves to all kinds of external elements like sun, dust, pollution and pollens. So, it is very important to take special care of the children to prevent them from different kinds of allergies.

Allergy is a kind of damage to the immune system of the body, especially by a particular food, pollen, fur or dust to which it has become hypersensitive. The immune system produces a substance known as antibodies. When you have allergies, the immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it is not. When you come in close contact with the allergen, the immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin airway or digestive system. Thus, causing allergies in kids.

Signs Your Child May Have Seasonal Allergy

A seasonal allergy, often called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, is an allergy that occurs during a specific time of the year. Seasonal allergies are most often caused by pollens, grass, tree and weed.

A child who has allergy symptoms during the summer season may be reacting to grass pollen. Weed allergies make an appearance in the fall. Ragweed is a common fall allergen, but it also begins to bloom in late July and August. Mold spores and stinging insects are other allergy culprits during the summer. Grasses that grow in almost every geographical location are the most common cause of allergy during summer among kids.

Is My Child Suffering From Summer Allergy?

Signs of summer allergy include a stuffy or running nose, sneezing, itching eyes, sore throat, cough and dark circles under the eyes. Some of the consequences of allergies found in small children are –

1. Fatigue and poor concentration in school due to lack of sleep
2. An increase in ear and sinus infection
3. Asthma exacerbation
4. Behavioral issues from lack of sleep and discomfort.

Summer Allergies: Keeping Symptoms In Check

When pollen seems to be blanketed in the path, there are certain steps one can take to prevent children from allergies. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Have your children wash their hands and face as they come in from playing outside so that they don’t rub pollen in their eyes and nose. It is advisable to rinse them off in the shower.
2. Try to check the forecast of pollen levels and try to limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are at their highest.
3. Since pollen can coat clothes, avoid laundry outside to dry.
4. Have the child take a bath during bedtime to reduce nighttime allergy problems.
5. Try to keep the windows and doors of the car closed and use air conditioning to filter the air.

Triggers Of Nasal Allergy

An allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses are due to inhaled substance. The medical term for this is allergic rhinitis. The allergic substance is called an allergen. Most of the allergens float in the air. So it easily gets into the nose of a child. Some of the allergens are:

A. Pollens

Trees, grass, weeds, and molds are the most common pollens. Grass pollens come in the summer and most nasal allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last for four to eight weeks. Pollens cause seasonal allergic rhinitis and are also called hay fever.

B. Pets

Allergies can also be from pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Most people do not keep pets as they are allergic to them. Pets are responsible for sporadic allergy symptoms when the kids are exposed to them. These kinds of allergies occur mainly during summer.

C. House Dust

House Dust contains many allergens. It always contains dust mines. In summer when humidity is very high, it will contain mold. House dust is one of the very common factors of allergies among kids in the summer season.

Symptoms Of Summer Allergy Among Kids

• Nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffing, and itching of the nose
• Itchy, watery puffy eyes
• Ear and sinus congestion
• Itchy ear canals and itchy skin or coarse voice
• Throats can also feel scratchy
• Symptoms mainly happen during day time during summer.

Different Allergies: Age Of Onset

• Seasonal pollen allergies usually start at the age of two to five years
• The symptoms are at their peak in school-going children and teens
• Summer allergies are very much common in children under the age of two years of age. They require at least two summer seasons of exposure to the pollen.
• Children who are under the age of two years and are having chronic nasal symptoms are more prone to summer allergies
• Food allergies start during the first year of life, especially during summer.

What Is Best For Summer Allergies In Kids? Try An Over- The- Counter Remedy For The Child

It includes oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help the child to get relief from sneezing, itching, and running and stuffy nose. Examples of oral antihistamines are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and ioratadine.

How Long Do Summer Allergies Last In Children

Allergies tend to last as long as a child is exposed to the allergens. While colds tend to last no longer than one to two weeks, coughing and sneezing will remain for some more time.

Can Summer Allergy In Kids Be Cured Naturally?

Allergies start at the age of three years and peak in late childhood or the teen years. Depending on the location and allergens, symptoms start to begin. Medication can provide some relief but there are certain natural DIY methods that are also worth a shot. Here are some of the best home remedies for summer allergies in kids: (DIY: Do It Yourself)

1. Allergy Proof Your House

Keep your windows closed, especially when it is very warm, dry conditioning makes it easy for pollens to travel on the breeze. Try to put clean air in at the start of the summer season and replace it every two or three months.

2. Reduce Pollen Cling

Like household dust, pollen clings to clothes and skin. Avoid hanging your child’s clothes and towels or sheets outside to dry. When the child comes inside the house, use a damp cloth to wipe their face, especially around their eyes.

3. Protect Your Child’s Eyes

Itchy, red, and tearing eyes are one of the most aggravating symptoms of allergy among kids during summer. The itch stems from inflammation of the membrane covering the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids of the child. Kids used to touch their faces all the time. We should make sure that the kid’s hands are clean and free from dust to minimize the occurrence of eye allergies.

4. Try A Saline Solution

Older children can be treated with nasal irrigation using a saline solution. We can mix distilled or boiled water with no–iodized salt to make a saline solution at home. This flashes out the mucus to relieve nasal congestion.

5. Stay Away From Smoke

Keep the children, away from cigarette smoke as it can worsen the children’s allergy symptoms.

6. Try To Use Cold Compression

It can be used to reduce the itch and soreness of the eyes and nose allergy of the child. Remind the child to avoid rubbing the eyes because this only makes itching and irritation worse.

7. Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water each day is very important because blowing and sneezing can dry your kids out in summer. Children can also sip herbal teas. Finally, the steam in a warm shower can also help to clear the stuffy nose of the children.

8. Eat Allergy Reducing Foods

Any foods that are produced naturally and are high in Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, and anti-oxidants can boost the immunity of the children and help them to fight against various allergies during summer.

A. Blue Berry And Raspberry

They contain the highest amount of Vitamin C, which may mitigate the response of allergy among kids.

B. Apple

The shiny orbs of the apples contain Vitamin-C and flavonoids that act as a mast cell stabilizing agent. Mast cells are very helpful in treating allergies because they release histamine.

C. Onions

Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin. It helps in boosting the immunity of children during allergic conditions.

D. Honey

Honey is very effective during nasal allergies. But don’t give honey to a baby under one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism, a serious gastrointestinal condition.

E. Spicy Food

It is important to try dishes made with cayenne, pepper, fresh ginger and fenugreek because it will help thin mucus and open up nasal passages.

Realize The Damages Of Untreated Allergies Among Kids

Kids with different seasonal allergies can have asthma. When allergies among children aren’t controlled, they can cause asthma flare-ups with coughing, wheezing and breathing problems. If you notice, that your child is having trouble with allergies, start managing them the right way. And as soon as they get out of hand, try to contact your healthcare professional.

When To Seek A Medical Treatment For Allergies

If a child’s allergy symptoms aren’t letting up, one should talk to a doctor to diagnose and examine the child by reviewing their medical history. The doctor may ask to examine some blood or skin tests to make a diagnosis. Various allergy medications can effectively relieve the child’s allergy symptoms.

Conclusion:

Allergies in children are the result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. They are a serious health problem. Although there are several medicines that relieve allergy symptoms, the only cure for allergy is the use of immune therapy that changes a kid’s response to the allergens. Immunotherapy is usually that kind of therapy prescribed for those children who don’t respond to the usual medicines.

Disclaimer: The website doesn’t provide any medical advice. Proper medical guidance should always be taken for a child with an allergy problem. The information provided is not intended as nor should be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis of any kind. Always try to seek the advice of an expert to sort out the problems. Never make any delay in seeking advice because it may worsen the situation. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.