If you’re a parent, you know how debilitating it can feel when your child suffers. Kids who deal with irritating and painful allergy symptoms are just as uncomfortable as their adult counterparts.
Although food allergies can happen to babies, it is uncommon for infants to develop seasonal allergies in their first year. Kids can develop seasonal allergies between 3-5, and most young allergy sufferers start showing symptoms by 10.
If your little one complains about an itchy throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes, or wheezing, they could be suffering from seasonal allergies.
Here are some of the most common allergens that affect kids and how you can manage the symptoms.
Mold thrives in damp areas, so you may find it in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Symptoms include respiration issues, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin/rashes, and fatigue. To prevent household mold, keep problem areas well ventilated and remove any leaky pipes or puddles.
Dust mites are tiny organisms that lurk in mattresses/pillows, carpets, clothing, stuffed toys, and furniture. They LOVE moisture, so keep the humidity in your home at 50% or less. Utilize mattress covers, wash the bedding often, and if you can avoid carpeting, do it. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, vacuum regularly.
Pet allergies are caused by pet dander. If your child is allergic to an animal, you may notice that their symptoms are provoked when the animal is around. Giving away a loved animal companion may not be the best answer for your family, so antihistamines and allergy shots are treatments to consider. It’s also a good idea to keep pets out of bedrooms and wash hands after petting.
For all of us, allergies peak during the spring, summer, and fall. Now that we’re in the thick of spring, keep an eye on your little one to determine what may be triggering their allergies and visit a Texas ENT specialist for professional relief.
