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Helping kids cope with springtime allergies

Here are some tips on how to decide which options are best to help your child deal with allergies.

It's springtime, and allergy specialists in the Northeast are busier than ever. It seems that every year we see headlines about it being an especially bad allergy season. In general, we have been seeing an increase in the prevalence of allergies over time, as well as an increase in asthma diagnosis rates. The reasons for this increase are complex, however changes in the environment over time have likely played a major role.

We start to see the effects of tree pollen as early as February, with April and May being the peak of the spring allergy season. Pollination can vary depending on geography. In our area, we generally see peak tree pollen counts in the spring, grass in the summer, and weeds in the fall.

Tree pollen can be particularly bothersome for kids' eyes, causing itching, watering, redness, and puffiness. Repetitive sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching are also common symptoms. There are many over-the-counter medications that can relieve nasal and eye symptoms caused by allergies, including oral antihistamines, various nasal sprays and eye drops. However, parents should seek a physician's guidance as some remedies available over the counter may not be the most safe or helpful treatment for a child.

If your child's allergy symptoms are bothersome, it would be a good idea to have them evaluated by an allergist. The best defense against allergies is to know what your child is allergic to, and to try and decrease exposure to those triggers when possible. Allergy specialists can complete testing to confirm which allergens are causing symptoms and they can help develop a management plan that will enable your child to feel better. For children with seasonal allergies, it can be helpful for parents to be aware of the pollen counts each day. A high pollen count may impact a child's treatment regimen, including use of medications or timing of outdoor play or exercise. For pollen counts in your area, you can go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology or The Weather Channel websites.

If your child is allergic to tree pollen, you can help cut-down on exposure with the following measures:

•Keep windows closed in the home and use air conditioning.

•Keep car windows closed when driving with your child and use air conditioning.

•After playing or exercising outside, your child should take a bath or shower, wash his or her hair, and change clothes. This is especially important before getting into bed.

• Do not hang clothes outside to dry during the pollen season.

For some children, avoidance and medication do not provide sufficient relief. Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a very effective way to treat allergies in both children and adults. Unlike medications, which only treat the symptoms of allergies, allergy shots teach the immune system to become more tolerant of allergens. Most patients receiving shots feel a considerable decrease in symptoms and require less medication with time. For children, treating allergies with immunotherapy can even help to prevent the development of allergic asthma.

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