Children and allergies: The dos and don’ts
Posted: 11th December 2019 | Posted by Costa
Children and allergies: The dos and don’ts
Childhood is supposed to be filled with fun, adventure, playtime, and discovery outdoors. But itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats get in the way! It’s not always possible for your child to have fun if their seasonal allergies are playing up. Hay fever is a particular problem in the summer. But autumn and winter bring their own issues. It’s the perfect time for other allergens like mould and dust to take their toll and yes, even hay fever can still rear its head. So here are some ways to deal with your child’s symptoms.
A nice hot bath
We can’t control the outdoors, but we can control the amount of allergy exposure. If your child has been outside all day, when they come back in, they’ll bring allergens like pollen and mould in with them.
You don’t have to stop them from playing outside, but when they come in at the end of the day, make sure they bathe from head to toe, including shampooing the hair. This prevents any allergens getting on their bed, clothes, and other furniture. It may also be a good idea for everyone to take off their shoes when they come into the house.
Over-the-counter
Over-the-counter antihistamines provide effective relief from persistent allergy symptoms. However, some come with side effects. Try to avoid ones that cause drowsiness and sluggishness for children, like diphenhydramine, and instead opt for others like cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. Antihistamines which cause drowsiness could affect children’s listening, wakefulness, and school performance.
Go to the doctor
If over-the-counter medicines don’t seem to be effective enough, you should think twice about turning to natural remedies. Some people believe, for example, that eating locally sourced honey can cure hay fever. However, many of these claims have been extrapolated from unfounded studies to form false promises.
If your child is really struggling with their allergies, it’s best to visit an allergy doctor who knows what methods of treatment are safe and likely to be most effective for your child. You’ll be able to rely on a professional with years of experience to ensure you get regulated therapies.
It’s hard enough dealing with allergies all summer, not to mention autumn and winter too. So if it starts to get a little overwhelming, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our consultants can effectively identify and treat allergies, providing long-lasting relief.