How To Tell if it’s Seasonal Allergies
It’s just as hard to spot whether seasonal allergies are actually just a cold with kids as they are with yourself, but if it seems like your child has the same symptoms at similar parts of the year that last over a week it could be allergies. Some of the symptoms include:
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Nasal stuffiness
- Throat clearing
- Nose rubbing
- Sniffling
- Snorting
- Itchy, runny eyes
One symptom that doesn’t typically occur when someone has a cold is itching or tingling in the mouth and throat. Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms. Recurrent red, itchy, dry rashes in the creases of the skin can indicate an allergy.
Asthma Symptoms
Allergies and asthma often seem similar but they are actually two completely different conditions. Asthma is a chronic condition originating in the lungs and allergies stem form the immune system. Asthma attacks happen when the airways of a child with asthma are inflamed or swollen, which makes them oversensitive. Around 80 percent of children with asthma also have allergies meaning allergens are often the most common asthma triggers. Some other things that can trigger an asthma attack are:
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Viruses
- Air pollution
- Certain fumes
- Other allergens
Common Allergens in the home
- Dust and pollen
- Fungi
- Animals
- Clothing and toys
- Latex
- Bacterial enzymes
- Certain foods
How to Control Allergy Symptoms
- Use air conditioners to reduce exposure to pollen in your car and home
- If your child has a mold allergy, they should refrain from playing in piles of dead leaves in the fall
- Wash all towels and bedding weekly
- Replace pillows every 2 to 3 years
