As the weather shifts from sweaty summer days to a cool fall nights, the changing temperatures signal the advent of seasonal allergies. With this short article, gain some tips to help you recognize allergy symptoms and help your kids feel better.
Recognizing Seasonal Allergies
Every time the trees and plants around us prepare for the season at hand, allergies arise in the form of sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffed up and runny noses. While your child may show all of these symptoms, recognize that some kids may only have one or two.
Keep Exposure Low
- You can reduce allergy symptoms by keeping your windows closed and turning on the air-conditioning. Don’t forget to replace or clean your air filter as well per the manufacturer’s manual.
- Keep an eye on the weather report for “high pollen” days, typically when there’s high winds and low humidity. During these conditions, try to keep your kids indoors during the peak pollen hours of 5 – 10 A.M.
Ease Puffy Eyes & Itchy Noses
Is your child waking up with an itchy nose and eyes? An easy way to alleviate symptoms is a warm shower or bath. While they are bathing, gently wipe their face and around their eyes with a damp washcloth. Steam from warm or hot water eases itchiness and the wash cloth removes most of the pollen. For quick puffy eye relief, apply a cold compress for a few minutes.
Allergies or a Cold?
Sometimes, you aren’t sure if your child has allergies or a cold, because the symptoms are similar, including nasal congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip and sneezing. Key differences include:
- Itchy eyes, nose, ears and throat are common signs of allergies, but these do not crop up with colds.
- Body aches, fever and sore throat are typical cold symptoms and don’t appear with allergies.
- Cold symptoms usually last for a couple of days, and generally resolve within a week. Allergies usually continue as long as the trigger (pollen, pets, etc.) remains.
If allergies are keeping your child from sleeping, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports or are making them feel just plain miserable, contact us (859) 525-8181 for an appointment.
Contact Us (859-525-8181) if you have any questions!
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About Pediatrics of Florence
We believe that children are more than just “little adults.” They have unique personalities, challenges, and life circumstances and we have made every effort to make our offices and care as “kid friendly” as possible. We have an aquatic theme in the waiting rooms (separated for sick and well children) as well as themed examination rooms. All of our physicians are Board Certified Pediatricians and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our nurse practitioners are all licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and are available to see both well and sick children.
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