How many times have you thought your kids had a cold, only to discover later that it was just an allergic reaction to pollen or dust? The symptoms of a common cold are very similar to those that occur when the child is exposed to various allergens in the neighborhood, house or at school. When you strongly suspect allergies, there are treatments you can do without going to the doctor (however, always go to the doctor when it is a serious reaction).
According to the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation) 50 million
Americans are affected by allergies. On top of that, allergies are the
third leading chronic disease in children in the United States.
Seasonal allergies are the primary allergy for millions of Americans
Seasonal
allergy symptoms can include itchy watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose or
throat, stuffy nose, coughing, and a clear runny nose. Some people
refer to seasonal allergies as hay fever, but kids typically do not run a
fever with allergies, and there are many more allergens than just hay.
For example, tree, grass or weed pollen, mold spores, and pet dander
are common allergens. Treatments for allergies vary, and there is no
cure for them. One way to treat allergies is by limiting her exposure
to the allergens. Have her wash her hands or take a bath after playing
outside so as to avoid bringing any spores into the house. Keep windows
in the house closed during high pollen times and run the air
conditioner to help filter the air. Having a hepa air filter can help
eliminate dust and dander from the air and reduce allergy symptoms.
If
avoiding allergens doesn’t work then you can try antihistamines or
decongestants to treat the symptoms. A homeopathic approach is to eat a
tablespoon of bee pollen every day. Bee pollen contains quercetin
which minimizes or eliminates the histamine response. Bee pollen is
typically available in health food stores. The more local you can buy
the bee pollen, the better it will work because the same allergens are
at work.
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