Summer vacation is just around the corner, and for most school-age kids, that means it’s time to get outdoors. But, unfortunately, if your child has allergies, it could also mean months of sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and coughing.
According to the CDC, allergies are common, affecting more than a quarter of kids. While seasonal allergies are most common among kids, about 6% are allergic to one or more foods.
At Primary Care Associates, our team is skilled at diagnosing allergies and providing individualized treatment plans that work. If your child suffers from allergies, here’s what you can do to help.
Allergy symptoms can mimic the symptoms of other medical issues, including chronic respiratory infections and asthma. Before treating your child with over-the-counter products, schedule a visit so we can determine if allergies are the cause.
One way to identify potential allergy triggers is to keep track of your child’s symptoms. Use a journal to write down when symptoms occur and what your child is doing at that time and in the hours before symptoms appear. Tracking symptoms can help you avoid triggers and anticipate reactions so you’re prepared.
While tracking symptoms can help identify triggers so you can avoid them, it’s not a foolproof way to identify the substances causing your child’s allergic reactions. In allergy testing, we apply tiny amounts of allergens to your child’s skin, then watch closely for any reaction. These tests can pinpoint specific causes of allergies, ensuring your child’s treatment is tuned to their needs.
Dust and dust mites are both frequent sources of indoor allergy symptoms. To control dust, eliminate rugs where possible, choose blinds over curtains, and change your air filters frequently. It’s also a good idea to keep your windows closed when the pollen count is high or when your grass is being cut.
Pollen is a major cause of allergies for kids and adults, so it’s important to do all you can to help your child avoid it. Unfortunately, since pollen is airborne, it can be anywhere — even in areas where there aren’t a lot of plants. The best way to limit exposure is to check the pollen count in your area and avoid spending a lot of time outdoors on days when the count is high.
Pollen and other airborne allergens can easily stick to clothing and skin. After a day of outdoor play, have your child shower or bathe and change into clean clothes to cut down on possible exposures. Changing clothes also prevents allergens from being transferred to furniture.
Some kids have eczema or other skin reactions to allergens. Often, switching to a milder brand of laundry detergent, soap, body wash, and shampoo can help.
Sometimes called exposure therapy, immunotherapy seeks to desensitize your child to their allergic triggers by administering a tiny amount of the allergen consistently over weeks. During that time, the amount of allergen is gradually increased to help your child develop tolerance and prevent future allergic reactions.
Allergies are no fun, regardless of your age. But as a kid, they can disrupt school and social activities, significantly impacting your child’s well-being. Book an appointment online or over the phone with Primary Care Associates today to learn how we can help you manage your child’s allergies successfully.
