There’s so much to love about spring, especially after a particularly difficult winter. Warm breezes, sunny afternoons, and the gradual greening of the season draw everyone outdoors. For some, however, spring also brings a spike in seasonal allergy symptoms.
Holly Hubbard, MD, and her team at Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, understand the challenges that seasonal allergies can bring. We’re here to help parents and children understand what causes spring allergies, recognize the symptoms, and minimize their impact.
Though it isn’t easy to appreciate it while you’re trying to soothe your child’s allergy symptoms, an allergic reaction is a demonstration of how well your child’s immune system is equipped to fight off infection.
The human body mounts a strong response when exposed to potentially harmful substances. It creates additional mucus and tears to try to flush those substances from the body. Coughing and sneezing serve the same function. Inflammation develops to help trap germs and boost healing.
Allergies develop when your body reacts to a substance that is not normally harmful to humans. This “misfire” of a child’s immune system causes symptoms to develop that are not helpful. Once a child develops this mistaken reaction to a specific substance, it’s likely to recur when they encounter the substance again.
During spring, seasonal allergies are most often triggered by pollen, mold, and insect venom. Environmental factors like windy days can exacerbate allergies by spreading pollen. Allergens can even invade your living space when pollen settles on clothing or pet fur, or enters through open windows.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies helps you know when to seek care for your child. Here are some of the changes you might see if a child is struggling with seasonal allergies:
Many kids will also have trouble sleeping during the height of their seasonal allergies.
Although allergy symptoms will often abate once the pollen counts reduce, there’s no need for kids to suffer through spring allergies each year. Many treatments can make symptoms far easier to manage.
At Hubbard Pediatric Group, we begin by sitting down with you and your child to discuss the way your child’s body reacts to spring allergens. We’ll also explore your family’s history of allergies, as this can increase the risk for all of your children.
We’ll talk about your child’s home and school environment, as well as their favorite activities. A brief physical exam includes a check of your child’s eyes, nose, throat, and lung function.
One of the best ways to reduce allergic reactions is to determine which allergens trigger symptoms, then take action to avoid those triggers as much as possible. Of course, completely avoiding windborne allergens like pollen is not possible, but you can take steps to reduce exposure.
Several medications can help control allergy symptoms. Dr. Hubbard can advise you on which options are best suited for your child, whether that means over-the-counter products or prescription medications.
Immunotherapy is also an option to consider. This process works by exposing your child to very small volumes of allergens over time, giving their system a chance to get used to exposure and “trains” their immune system not to react.
When you’re ready to explore solutions to your child’s springtime symptoms, we are ready to help. Booking a visit at Hubbard Pediatric Group takes just moments, whether you choose to connect online or by phone.
