More than one in four children in the United States have a seasonal allergy, eczema or food allergy. As a parent, it can be easy to worry about how your child’s seasonal allergies will affect their summer fun. Let’s look at a few tips to help minimize their symptoms without interrupting their summer activities.
1. Get an Allergy Test
An allergy test identifies the specific allergens your child is sensitive to. Once you have identified their allergies, you can make a more detailed plan to help them avoid flare-ups.
2. Make an Avoidance Plan
Making an allergy avoidance plan involves tracking and managing contact with the allergens your child reacts to. For example, if they are sensitive to pollen, schedule hikes around Lynch’s Woods Park when pollen levels are low. Watch Newberry’s pollen count on The Weather Channel for accurate counts to help fine-tune your avoidance plan.
3. Provide Protective Clothing
Protective clothing can help minimize skin and respiratory symptoms like hives, sneezing, red or watery eyes and congestion. Try sunglasses, hats, long sleeves made of cooling fabrics and masks if allergen counts are high.
4. Swap Parks for Pools
Consider trading park days for pool days if your child suffers from severe pollen allergies. Invite their friends, bring along some pool toys and let them enjoy a day of splashing around in the water. This way, they can have fun without worrying about their allergy symptoms.
5. Try Allergy Medication
Pediatric allergy medication can provide short-term relief for your child’s symptoms, allowing them to have all the summer fun they want. Look for antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, mast cell inhibitors and eye drops. If you’re not sure which options are right for your child, contact their allergist for help choosing the right one.
With the help of one of our allergy specialists, your child can enjoy camping adventures, outdoor birthday parties, pool days and more. To start the road to a symptom-free summer, contact Carolina Pines ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted allergy specialists.