Allergies

Allergies are common in our area and children can oftentimes present with symptoms similar to those of a cold. These symptoms include runny nose, congestion (stuffy nose), itchy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy or sore throat. Sometimes if allergy symptoms are bad, children can also experience headaches and fatigue. If your child has a fever, it is not from their allergies - fever indicates an infection is likely occurring.

Figuring out what your child is allergic to can sometimes be challenging. There are several environmental allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, cat or dog dander, and cockroaches that cause allergy symptoms in those exposed. Your pediatrician can help you figure out what your child might be allergic to by ordering a blood test to be performed or by referring you to an allergist for further testing.

Avoidance is the best way to manage your child’s allergies. If you know your child is allergic to pollen, check out the pollen forecast for the day before letting your child play outside (https://www.pollen.com/forecast/current/pollen/77385) and always bathe them when they are finished playing to wash off any potential allergens that may remain on the body. Piles of dead leaves are breeding grounds for mold, so avoid those if you have a mold allergy. If your child is allergic to pets, avoid adding pets to the family that cause flares of allergy symptoms. For those with dust mite allergies, consider purchasing allergen-proof zip covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs (areas dust mites thrive in). Consider professional pest extermination if your child has an allergy to pests and they are an issue in your household.