Allergy season isn’t fun for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for children. With spring here and summer around the corner, many kids are excited to be able to go outside and enjoy the warm weather. Unfortunately, many of them may return from their outdoor adventures only to suffer from common seasonal allergies such as Hay Fever. As parents, it can be tough to watch our kids suffer, especially when there isn’t a cure-all for these types of things. While we don’t have a permanent solution for allergies, there are things you can do to help your kids suffer a little less.
Figure Out The Cause
If your child has persistent allergies, the first thing you’ll want to do is talk to their pediatrician about getting a test. Allergy tests are a good way to determine the exact cause of your child’s symptoms. It could be asthma, or it could just be seasonal allergies. Your pediatrician may do the test themselves, or they may recommend you to an allergist who specializes in allergies in children. By determining the exact cause of the allergy, you’ll be able to figure out the best treatment possible.
Limit Outdoor Time
Although it’s healthy for kids to spend time outside, it’s not always the best advice for kids with seasonal allergies. You can still allow your kids to go outside, but it’s important to make sure that they’re not constantly exposed to harmful allergens. Online tools can help you keep track of the levels of certain allergens found outdoors on a given day in your area, so it can be wise to utilize this information when your kids want to play outside.
Clean Frequently
Another great way to manage your child’s seasonal allergies is to regularly clean. This means dusting and vacuuming regularly in order to cut down on dust mites and other allergens that could be located in your house. It’s also important that you regularly do your laundry. Linens such as towels and bedsheets can hold a lot of nasty things that can irritate your child, especially when they use those linens daily. If your child comes inside from playing, you may want to get them out of their clothes and change them into something clean as well. This can help limit their exposure to whatever is causing their allergies to flare up.
Close The Windows and Use The Air Conditioning
After keeping the windows closed during the winter, it’s tempting to open them to let the fresh air in. However, this can be harmful to kids with seasonal allergies. It may sound silly, but fresh air can isn’t always the best thing for those who are allergic to the pollen typically found outdoors during the spring season. Instead of opening the windows, use the air conditioning to keep the fresh air inside. This method works by cooling the air in a cycle, so it doesn’t need to pull in the outside air.