/assets/images/provider/photos/2723989.jpeg)
With warmer weather and lighter evenings there are many things to like about spring, especially for kids. Unfortunately, these benefits often come with a trade-off — miserable seasonal allergies. The good news is there are various strategies that can help.
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, our top-notch team of highly qualified doctors and staff members provide a full range of pediatric medical and behavioral health care for children from birth to age 18.
With 10 offices conveniently located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, we can treat illnesses and injuries and provide well-child exams. We also advise on ongoing issues such as seasonal allergies, making sure you know the latest tips and tricks to keep your little one as comfortable as possible.
Seasonal allergy symptoms
Seasonal allergies bring a host of unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy or watery eyes. Common springtime allergens include pollen from oak and birch trees, grass, weeds, and more.
Our top tips to help reduce allergy symptoms
To help reduce your child's allergy symptoms, we recommend that you:
1. Help them avoid allergens
Monitor pollen counts and opt for indoor activities on days when the forecast is high. Dry, windy weather often carries higher pollen counts, while rain helps clear it from the air. Pollen counts also tend to be highest in the early morning.
2. Protect the inside of your house
Keeping pollen out of the house as much as possible is key. Whenever possible, keep windows and doors closed and run an air conditioning unit with a high-efficiency filter.
After spending time outside, you should have your child bathe or shower and change into clean clothes. If you have a pet that goes outside, wipe down their fur when they come in, and keep them out of your child’s bedroom.
3. Ask us about medications
A variety of allergy medications are available that can help reduce allergy symptoms, including oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Our team can offer expert guidance to help you make the best medication choice for your child.
Allergy medications should be taken regularly, and not just when your child is experiencing symptoms. It’s usually best to have your child start taking medication early on in the allergy season, as it can take time for them to provide effective relief.
4. Consider allergy shots
If medications aren't doing enough to provide relief, allergy shots may be an ideal solution. They work by placing a tiny amount of the allergy-inducing substance under the skin, which in turn desensitizes the immune system's response. Given on a regular schedule, allergy shots improve your child’s immune response over time.
For those with allergies to grass or ragwood, sublingual immunotherapy may also be an option. It is similar to allergy shots in concept, but instead of needle delivery, the immunotherapy dose comes in a once-daily tablet that dissolves under the tongue.
5. Have an inhaler on hand
Often, children with allergies suffer from asthma as well. In addition to a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes, they can experience asthma symptoms affecting their lungs such as their airways narrowing and struggling to get a full breath. An inhaler is an important tool to help bring relief when allergy symptoms flare.
Comprehensive care for allergies
If your child is suffering from seasonal allergies, we can help. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.