Are you worried about your children’s health? This blog guides you to maintain your children’s health in effective ways. As seasonal allergies are common in children, there are many effective treatments and ways to avoid them. Identifying the symptoms is important to keep your child healthy.
What are seasonal allergies?
The allergies that affect children in certain seasons of the year are known to be seasonal allergies. It is also known as hay fever, which occurs when the trees and grasses release pollen into the air. It is a substance that triggers the immune system to react to harmful invaders. If this pollen enters our body, the immune system will start to fight against it and cause symptoms. Most commonly, the spring and summer seasons cause seasonal allergies in children. Seasonal allergies can make children tired and uncomfortable, and they can increase the risk if they are not treated properly.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies in children?
The signs of seasonal allergies can happen at the same time every year. The signs of seasonal allergies look like a cold. This cold lasts longer when compared to a usual cold. The most common signs of seasonal allergies are
Sneezing
If the children get outside of the house, they start to sneeze continuously, and it is a common symptom.
Runny nose
In this condition, the nose will get blocked, or there will be constant dripping from the nose. During this, the mucus will be clear.
Itchy throat and nose
This happens because of pollen in the body and the release of histamine. This substance disturbs the nerves in the nose and throat and causes itchiness.
Coughing, tiredness, and dark circles under eyes are some other signs of seasonal allergies.
How are seasonal allergies caused?
The overreaction of the body’s immune system to things that are present in the air, like pollen, causes seasonal allergies. When the pollen in the air enters the body, the body starts to fight against the pollen to protect itself from allergies. During this process, the chemical called histamine is released, which causes symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. As the summer and fall seasons release more pollen in the air, the causes may depend on the early, middle, and late periods of the season. Some of the causes are
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Mold Spores
- Air pollution
- Windy weather
- Climate change
These are the major causes of allergies in children, and keep your children away from these causes. If your child is going through allergies, consult the child specialist in Coimbatore for expert care for your child and long-term health benefits.
At what age are most of the children affected by seasonal allergies, and why?
The children between the ages of 2 and 5 will be affected by seasonal allergies. The age from 2 to 6 will develop the immune system, which increases the chance of allergies. The infant will not get outside, so they don’t have contact with the pollen and dust that are outside. This reduces the chance of seasonal allergies in infants when compared to children who are ages 2 to 6. Other than age, genetics also plays an important role in seasonal allergies. Environmental factors can also influence seasonal allergies when there are seasonal changes or levels of dust in the environment.
Preventive measures for seasonal allergies in children:
- Control your children’s outdoor activities, as it helps to prevent the entry of pollen into the body. Early morning and late afternoon are the times when the pollen will be at its peak, avoiding playing at that time can reduce the risk of developing seasonal allergies in children.
- Keeping the window closed in the home and car can save the children from pollen attacks. If you are using an air conditioner, it should be clean to avoid dust formation because the dust in the air conditioner may cause allergies in children.
- Once your children have completed playing, make sure to change the dress and shower, as the pollen may stick to the dress and hair, which can cause allergies.
- The used pillowcase and blankets should be washed to remove pollen and dust mites. You can wash these clothes with hot water weekly.
Sometimes these preventive measures and child seasonal allergy remedies cannot be effective if the infection is too severe. At that time, seeking medical help can improve the health of your children.
What are the foods that naturally help to avoid seasonal allergies?
There are several foods that can reduce inflammation and support the immune system. When we include the foods in children’s diets, it may help to build strong immune systems.
Onions and Apples
These foods can reduce the histamine release. Eating these foods raw can be more effective.
Yoghurt and probiotics
Gut health can be increased by foods that are rich in probiotics. As gut health is a root for a good immune system, it can avoid allergies.
Turmeric
Sneezing and sinus pressure can be controlled by turmeric, as it has a strong anti-inflammatory because of curcumin present in it.
Leafy greens
Spinach and foods that are dark green are rich in quercetin, which can stabilize the release of histamine by controlling the cells that release it, and it reduces the symptoms.
If you want to know more about the diet and lifestyle habits for your children to save them from seasonal allergies, visit the child care hospital in Coimbatore for the best consultation and treatment process.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies are common in children who are playing outside of the house. We can control it by some preventive measures that make the immune system strong and reduce the release of histamine. Making the environment allergy-friendly and some lifestyle adjustments, as mentioned in the blog, can save your children from allergies.