With the approach of Fall and kids returning to school and daycare, every family with children knows how fiercely and rapidly illnesses and allergies can hit a household. Additionally, allergies often start in childhood- over 7 million children reportedly have allergies, so take notice if your child exhibits common cold and allergy symptoms around the same time each year. Fall allergies often stem from grass and weed pollination (as opposed to tree pollination in the Spring) and symptoms of these allergies include:
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Persistent nasal drainage
Managing a young child’s allergies can be challenging, especially if they are outdoor allergies, but there are ways to help with these tips!
- Reduce exposure. Utilize activities, indoor sports and recreation areas, trampoline parks, or other activities that take place indoors. Avoid playing in fields or areas with tall grass.
- Have your child was his hands after playing outside to remove pollen and irritants.
- Keep windows and doors closed to the outdoors as much as possible and keep your air conditioning circulating to clean air inside.
- Do not allow your child to play in moist or consistently wet areas, which can contain mold spores.
- Clean bedding frequently to remove dust mites and other allergens.
- Your pets can bring in allergens from outdoors just as easily and people can, so wipe down pet fur with a damp paper towel after outdoor exposure.
Treatment for allergies can vary from prescription based, over-the-counter medications to homeopathic remedies. Options like nasal saline sprays and oral antihistamines are often widely used to alleviate symptoms. Another good tip for families to remember is if one family member has seen success with one antihistamine, it is likely it will work for another family member.
If you notice your child has persistent symptoms or are curious how to best treat your child for seasonal allergies, reach out to us! We will provide tips, care and treatment options, and support for your family. We can also help you identify the difference between allergies and a common cold. At Pediatric Partners of Augusta, your young one’s health and well-being is our priority. Contact us today to become an established patient so you can take advantage of the After Hours Clinic. Contact us at 706-854-2500.
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.
