Seasonal Allergies in Kids
Each season brings a change, not just in the weather but also the foods that we eat. With summer it’s ice creams and cold beverages, with monsoon it’s fried snacks, and with winter it’s warm desserts like halwa! But there’s something else that comes with changing seasons: seasonal allergies.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies in kids?
An allergic reaction can occur in any part of the body. This includes the skin, eyes, stomach lining, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. These are the locations where immune system cells can be found to combat germs that are inhaled, swallowed, or come into contact with the skin. Allergic reactions can result in:
● Swollen and Watery Eyes – Young children may not be able to tell but if your child is constantly rubbing his eyes and tearing up, it could be due to allergic rhinitis.
● Runny Nose – This situation occurs when the tissues lining the nose become swollen.
● Itchy Skin – Dry, itchy skin with red rashes can occur due to allergies.
● Diarrhoea – It occurs when bowel movements are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom often.
● Coughing – The most common reason for coughing is cold. Young children usually catch a cold in winter or monsoon season.
● Sneezing – It is the most common symptom of allergic rhinitis. If your child has been sneezing frequently for more than a day, it’s better to look for remedies.
How do you treat seasonal allergies in kids?
● Use Saltwater – When your child has a blocked nose, the most effective solution is to use a saline solution. Saline can be purchased at a drugstore or made at home by combining 8 ounces of boiled water and 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in a squirt bottle. Put a few drops of this in the nostrils 2-3 times a day.
● Keep Hydrated – Sneezing and coughing can dehydrate or parch your little one. Keep a flask of water near your child’s bed or table to keep your baby hydrated. You could also use coconut water or ORS.
● Warm baths – Steam or hot bath appears to relieve allergy symptoms in some people, so encourage your children to spend some time in the tub. Just be careful not to get too hot in the shower.
● Humidifier – Most people find that a little moisture in the air makes breathing easier, so if the air in your home is dry, invest in a humidifier.
● Cold Compress – To treat the itchy eyes of your child, try a cold compress to relieve the itch and soreness. Make sure that children avoid rubbing their eyes. Rubbing will only irritate them more and aggravate the itchiness.
● Tissues with Aloe – When children’s allergies are at their peak, tender noses can become very sore very quickly. Look for tissues that contain lotion or aloe.
● Gargle – A throat infection can only be treated by gargling with warm water and salt. Gargling with salt water can reduce throat inflammation and thus help with allergy symptoms.
● Consume Anti-inflammatory Foods – Ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and other anti-inflammatory foods can be added to a child’s diet to help manage allergy symptoms. These ingredients can be used to make an infusion or added to a glass of hot milk.
Takeaway