Simple Steps to Help Kids Survive Allergy Season



Some of Spring's most beautiful blossoms are also
the worst sinus offenders.

I was a cautious new mom; vaccinations worried me.  I knew my son would OD on Advil.  I tried to avoid antibiotics, and then, last March, my son started coughing.  First, it was every five minutes, then every two, until finally, it was with every breath.  "RAD" or "Reactive Airway Disorder" was what the urgent care doctor told us, but only because they cannot confirm asthma until children are approximately five to six years of age.Since that day, I have evolved from a cautious mom into the medication fairy.  My son's bedtime routine involves a shower, brushing teeth, reading a story, an inhaler, two nasal sprays, and two medications.  Granted, I write this blog from a city whose pollen count has been above 1000 for fifteen consecutive days [and counting] and who beat its previous high by over 3000 with a pollen count of over 9300, but who is counting?!?
With all of the medical miracles, I also make small changes to our daily routine to minimize seasonal allergies, so as the rest of the country follows the Sunny South into pollen season, here are a few things that might help minimize the pain of most beautiful and miserable time of year:
-Dress in layers-especially for children still napping, dress kids in an undershirt, socks, shoes, and a hat, so that when nap time comes, you can take off the top layer and minimize the pollen that ends up on their sheets.
-Remove shoes-when you enter the house, immediately take off shoes so as not to track pollen through the house

Nasal Mist, Allergy and Sinus Giant Size

-Clean and blow nose: invest in a can of saline nasal spray (no drops).  Every time your kids enter the door from outside play, do 1-3 sprays in each nostril while your child leans forward; have them blow their nose gently after each spray.  They may not love it, but this is step that every allergist and pediatrician I have encountered has agreed upon.
-Wash hands and face: as soon as your child comes inside, wash hands and forearms (admit it, even your prefect angel uses her forearm as a tissue) and around the mouth and nose.  If they were not wearing a hat, run a damp cloth through their hair.
-Rinse off at night-if your kids have spent any sizable amount of time outside, rinse them in the shower before bed.  If dry skin is a problem, they may not need to shampoo every night.
-Change pillowcases-if your child still naps, you may need to change the pillowcase every day during high pollen season.  For older children, still consider changing the pillowcase every 3-4 days and the sheets at least once per week.
-Clean friends, too-doctors will tell you to remove stuffed animals, but for some, this is not an option.  Instead try to minimize and frequently wash those that go outside or get held the closest.
-Keep windows and doors closed-whether in the car or house, do not invite the pollen in, also set the car AC to recirculate vs pulling from the outside.

Filtrete Allergen Reduction Filters

-Change your filters-invest in better filters for your home's AC unit and change regularly.
-Clean often-even if you do not obsess over cleaning, try to vacuum and dust regularly, but if you have an allergy sufferer in the home, do not do it while they are around.

Another way to control pollen exposure is to only venture out at certain times.  Unfortunately, no one can agree on the best time.  Pollen is worst on warm, dry days, but many doctors will tell you to avoid time outside in the morning.  My son is best in the mornings when dew is on the plants, so follow what works best for your child, and if they show signs of irritation, take them inside. 

For many, these basic steps may be enough, but if you find that your child is still suffering, consult your pediatrician about an antihistamine, many of which are available without a prescription, or other options that may help your child feel better through pollen season.