Spring allergy season is said to worsen due to climate change that increases plant and pollen count. There are ways to prepare kids for the spring allergy season to better control the symptoms.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19.1 million adults and 6.1 million children experience seasonal allergies. Symptoms may include repetitive sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny rose with thin, clear substance and itchiness in the nose, throat, eyes, ears and roof of mouth.
Seasonal allergies come mainly during the spring when pollen from plants, trees, grasses and weeds are at their most abundant, according to Parents. Spring allergy season is especially bad for kids during warm and humid days.
Allergenic plants are receptive to climate change, which means an increase in plant and pollen growth. Experts claim that climate change is forcing spring allergy season to become more intense by lasting three weeks longer, according to CBS News.
Due to climate change, symptoms may be worse compared to the past even for conditions such as asthma and skin reactions. Some parts of the country may also experience worse conditions due to the diversity of pollen-producing plants including Jackson, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse and McAllen, Texas, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Kids with seasonal spring allergies must visit their allergist before the season starts. Medications should be in place such as antihistamines, nasal steroids sprays and eye drops.
Many experts have recommended immunotherapy such as allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Not only can these recommendations help with the spring allergy season, but they can also help with year-round allergies and those who do not respond well to medications.
Parents should prefer using the air conditioning instead of keeping the doors and windows open. During high pollen days, outdoor exercising or playing should be avoided at all costs. Hanging clothes outside should also be avoided since pollen can coat bed sheets and clothes.
Kids should change their clothes as often as they can especially after coming from outdoors. Before going to bed during spring allergy season, showering is a must to remove pollen from the body being careful to wash especially the hair and eyes.
