Asthmatic Children Must be Cautious During Allergy Season

During the spring and summer seasons, parents with asthmatic children must be well aware of any new developments in their child’s asthma symptoms. The spring and summer seasons are when plants and trees pollinate, allowing pollen particles to flow through the atmosphere, sometimes causing allergic reactions in humans. There have been numerous studies that show a strong relationship between asthma and allergy conditions. Seasonal allergies can worsen, or even create, asthma symptoms in children and teens.

People tend to mistake seasonal allergies, also referred to as hay fever, as the common cold, because symptoms are similar. Hay fever symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, excessive sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, tickly throat, coughing, fatigue, and other discomfort. These symptoms can cause more complications in those with existing asthma conditions by further preventing them to breathe normally. When an asthmatic person is exposed to an allergen it can cause them to cough or wheeze.

Because of this, parents must be cautious when exposing their child to potential harmful allergens. Sometimes asthma and/or allergy medications are not enough to eliminate symptoms completely. Constantly check pollen counts in your area. When they are high, keep children indoors. If they must go outdoors, put them in an allergy mask that prevents them from breathing in harmful particles that could potentially cause an asthma attack.

Allergens can make their way indoors, so take extra precautions to make sure the interior atmosphere is allergen-free. There are also indoor allergens that children can be allergic to, such as dust mites, cockroach particles, and pet dander. Air purifiers can help with this problem by attracting allergen particles and eliminating them from the air. Air purifiers should be placed in bedrooms, where children spend the most time (sleeping).

However, the opposite can happen in a child with seasonal allergies. Children can obtain asthma-like symptoms from having an allergy condition. Be sure to speak with your doctor about any new symptoms you notice in your child. Asthma treatments can be overwhelming for young children, so try to find asthma products and treatments that are more kid-friendly.