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Kids: “Ah-Choo” Season
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“Ah-Choo” Season
GET A HANDLE ON POLLEN ALLERGIES
STORY: Karina Antenucci
Ididn’t have any reaction to pollen until my early 30s, so it was a real shock when last spring my 3-yearold broke out into red, itchy splotches on her eyelids, began sneezing like crazy, had nasal congestion and started coughing the second Atlanta was in bloom. She was obviously allergic, and I was unprepared.
Dr. David Tanner, an allergist and chief medical officer at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, explains that allergies are genetic, so if you have them, it’s more likely your child will. “While they can appear at any age, allergies are more common in children,” he says.
Any cold-like symptom might understandably raise an eyebrow these days, but sneezing and itchy eyes, nose or throat are more commonly associated with allergies, Tanner notes. “Allergy symptoms tend to be present longer, sometimes lasting six to eight weeks, than those of an upper respiratory infection and occur each spring, fall or both. Upper respiratory infections are more likely to be accompanied by chills, muscle aches, headache and sore throat. It is almost certainly an infection, not an allergy, if fever is present.” Fatigue is another possible allergy symptom.
Here, Tanner offers advice on what to do to prevent and lessen kids’ discomfort this spring and beyond.
Begin Meds in Advance Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, antihistamine eye drops or nasal steroid sprays, are most effective if you begin to take them in advance of peak pollen season before symptoms begin. “They may need to be used daily during the pollen season to get the best relief from allergy symptoms,” Tanner says.
Inside Measures Minimize your child’s allergen exposure in the house by changing air filters monthly, removing shoes upon entering your home and wiping down pets with a damp cloth if they’ve been outdoors. “Pets can easily track pollen into your home, leaving it on carpets and furniture,” Tanner notes. Since pollen can settle on your hair, skin and clothing, kids should take a shower or bath before bed and put on fresh clothes after playing outside.
Outside Tactics Pollen counts tend to be highest midday, so adjust outdoor activities accordingly, says Tanner, who suggests running the car AC on the recycled setting instead of zooming around with the windows down. What’s more, sunglasses may help keep fine particles out of sensitive eyes, and wearing a mask when outdoors can create a barrier.
When to See a Doc Parents should see a physician when their child’s daily activities or sleep are being impacted by allergy symptoms, and over-the-counter medications are not controlling those symptoms. A board-certified allergist can perform a skin test to confirm and recommend treatment targeted to manage the allergens causing the symptoms, says Tanner. A treatment plan may include prescription medications, environmental control recommendations and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Multiple Allergens If you’re noticing your child has allergy symptoms year-round, they might be allergic to indoor allergens such as dust, mold and pet dander. Or they might be allergic to all the pollens, from trees in the spring, grass in the late spring and summer months, and weeds (specifically ragweed) beginning as early as August in the South and lasting until mid-October. n
See a board-certified allergist like Dr. David Tanner at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma (above) if allergies are impacting your child's daily comfort.
POLLEN COUNT
Atlanta Allergy & Asthma has been providing the daily pollen count to Atlanta and North Georgia for more than 30 years. Its pollen counting station is certified by the National Allergy Bureau. Sign up to receive the daily count in your inbox or view it at atlantaallergy.com.
ATLANTA ALLERGY & ASTHMA
404.351.5711 atlantaallergy.com @atlantaallergy_
SIMPLY LIVING
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The family room features sofas by LEE Industries, done in family-friendly Crypton fabric. The ceiling is papered in a linen-colored herringbone by Wolf-Gordon.
