Spring. What does it signify for you? Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses blooming?
Along with the beauty of the flowers comes the onset of sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, cough, headache, and maybe even wheezing, all caused by pollen allergies!
But don’t blame the blooming flowers. Trees, grass, and weed pollen are the real culprits!
What can you do for your child who may be suffering?
On high pollen days, here are good ways to reduce your child’s pollen exposure:
If they have been outside, give your child a bath and change them into fresh clothes.
Keep the windows closed.
Prevent your child from rolling around in the grass, which seems to be a favorite activity!
Turn on the air conditioner in your house and car.
If your child suffers from spring allergies, you may want to try an over-the-counter children’s allergy medication. If there are any concerns about allergies, choice of allergy medication or if your child may be wheezing, check in with your pediatrician for guidance.
Along with pollen allergy, there is oral allergy syndrome (or pollen-food allergy syndrome). Many people are not aware of OAS, which is a type of food allergy related to pollen, caused by a cross-reaction between pollen antigen and certain foods. The main symptom is an itchy mouth after eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables, usually seen in patients with pollen allergies. It rarely results in a significant allergy and is usually limited to the mouth, but the fruit or vegetable causing the reaction, should be avoided. Speak to your pediatrician if you have concerns about any allergy related to food!
With oral allergy syndrome, the cross-reactive antigen can be rendered inactive by cooking the fruit or vegetable causing the reaction. Therefore, the cooked fruit or vegetable can usually be consumed without a problem!
Happy Spring!