Caring for asthma and seasonal allergies in children
Raising happy, healthy kids is no easy task. As a parent, finding the right type of care for your child’s asthma and seasonal allergies may prove difficult and at times, leave you feeling defeated.
We are here to help!
Team Select has done the research to help you, as a parent, make an educated and informed decision on how to best help your children who suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies.
What causes asthma and seasonal allergies to flare ups?
Flare ups can be caused for a number of reasons, all dependent on the individual and their surroundings.
“Your asthma can flare up for different reasons. If you’re allergic to dust mites, pollens or molds, they can make your asthma symptoms get worse. Cold air, exercise, fumes from chemicals or perfume, tobacco or wood smoke, and weather changes can also make asthma symptoms worse. So can common colds and sinus infections. Gastroesophageal reflux (when stomach acid comes up into the back of the throat) can also cause flare-ups. You can help yourself by paying attention to the way these things affect your asthma.“ – American Family Physician
You can help your child better manage their asthma by:
- Dusting the house frequently
- Reducing the use of cleaning with chemicals around the home
- Ensuring they always have their asthma medication available if needed
- Trying to stop the escalation of common colds
Scheduling an appointment for your child to get allergy tested is proven to also help manage asthma flare ups/attacks, allowing you and your child to be more aware of what could trigger a flare up.
Seasonal allergies, depending on what state your family resides in, can change frequently. Symptoms of seasonal allergies may include itching, scratching, runny nose, congestion, coughing, and eye irritation. When thinking of how to help your child suffer less from chronic seasonal allergies, hydration is a great start.
“When allergens (substances your child is allergic to) enter his body, his mucous membrane — tissue that secretes mucus — is triggered in order to trap allergens like pollen. Making sure your child drinks extra water throughout the day promotes hydration and better moisture in the mucous membranes. Broth-based soups help, too.” – Everyday Health
You can help your child better manage their seasonal allergies by:
- Ensuring they stay hydrated
- Avoiding pollen in the home with closed windows and doors
- Purchasing and using an air purifier
- Dusting the house frequently
- Giving over-the-counter allergy medicine
- Encouraging daily hot shower/baths to help soothe symptoms
“Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important factors,” says Team Select Mobile Physician Nurse Practitioner, Erin McManus-Tomanek. “If it’s windy and a bit dusty outside, choose alternative activities inside to avoid irritating your seasonal allergies.”
Our Team Select Mobile Physician Services can help you and your loved ones with comfortable, in-home Primary Care visits for asthma and seasonal allergies and also offer Mobile Diagnostic Testing. View a full list of services today.
It is always recommended that you consult with your child’s pediatrician regarding any medication changes and questions if symptoms progress.
Resources
https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/kids/seasonal-allergy-relief
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-must-dos-for-kids-with-seasonal-allergies-201604122527https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/keeping-kids-happy-despite-allergy-symptoms