Spring Allergy in children is a frequent health concern, particularly noticeable in the changing season of spring. For this condition, which can arise from multiple triggers, appropriate treatment and timely precautions are necessary. The onset of spring Allergy also referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever is defined by the specific period in which it appears.
Why Do Children Have Spring Allergies?
One notable feature of the spring months is the rise of pollen and the release of mold spores into the open air. While pollen and mold spores are key triggers for spring allergies, other factors can also be responsible. When children come in contact with allergens, their immune system treats these substances as threats and releases chemicals to protect the body. Such shifts can have an impact on children's health, leading to the occurrence of spring allergies.
Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Children:
Symptoms that appear during allergy season, specifically in the spring months, are the primary signs of discomfort. Spring allergies, which are rarely observed in newborns with minimal outdoor contact, tend to become more widespread as children grow. The persistent and recurring pattern of the illness is important to recognize. In particular, the worsening of symptoms during spring and their decrease at other times are key distinguishing features.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergy:
Early detection of allergies and addressing them can make a meaningful difference in a child's day-to-day life and long-term wellbeing. For this reason, identifying the typical signs caused by the condition is essential to controlling allergies in children. Key symptoms of spring allergies in babies and children include:
- Watery, red, or swollen eyes
- Wheezing during breathing
- Persistent mouth breathing due to nasal congestion
- Sleep disturbances, frequent sneezing, and dry cough
- Intense itching in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Sinus pressure
- Itchy nose
- Headaches
- Diminished sense of taste and smell
Causes of Spring Allergy
When it comes to allergic reactions, it's possible to talk about multiple causes and triggers. Especially in childhood, the onset of spring allergies may begin in infancy. Genetic predisposition plays a role in this regard.
At the same time, exposure to various triggering factors from an early age can affect the development of reactions. Even if there is no discomfort at the allergy level initially, continuous and intense exposure to various allergens leads to different reactions in the child's body. Over time, the immune system's responses, aimed at maintaining general health, manifest as allergy symptoms.
Triggers of Seasonal Allergies
Identifying the specific substance that a child is sensitive or allergic to should be done in consultation with a physician. For instance, if a child has a pollen allergy, it is best to avoid green spaces with dense vegetation during spring. In addition, some children can react to more than one trigger. Typical factors that may provoke seasonal allergies include:
- Early introduction of artificial foods and poor dietary habits in children
- Contact with allergens, including pollen and mold spores
- Indoor smoking and high levels of dust
- Frequent dust exposure, especially from excessive or chemical-based cleaning, may also be considered triggers.
Treatment of Spring Allergy
Treatment for Spring Allergy should be followed under the guidance of a specialist physician. Since it is a chronic and recurrent condition, the priority in treatment is to prevent progression rather than achieve definitive results.
If the condition doesn’t seriously affect daily life, medical supervision and lifestyle adjustments may be enough. However, some cases may require medication. Antiallergic medicines and corticosteroid sprays are often used, along with nasal solutions and bronchodilators to ease symptoms.
What helps with Spring Allergy in children?
The most effective way to manage symptoms is to avoid allergens. Reducing exposure during peak pollen hours, cleaning the house regularly, and removing dust-harboring items can help. If avoiding allergens is not possible, antihistamine medications may be applied under medical advice.
How to Strengthen the Immune System?
Regardless of the type of allergy, the existing disease is associated with the immune system. Therefore, one of the foremost steps in treatment is to strengthen the immune system. Instead of short-term dietary practices, it is necessary to spread a healthy eating pattern throughout life.
Especially during periods of flare-ups, attention should be paid to rest and consuming plenty of fluids. Various vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body can also weaken the immune system. The use of supplements approved by a physician is important.
Preventing Spring Allergies in Children
It is necessary to eliminate the increasing symptoms during the transition seasons known as allergy seasons and, if possible, take measures to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Although current treatments may be necessary in some cases, like in any treatment, medications may have various side effects. Therefore, it is beneficial to act cautiously to prevent a problem like allergy from occurring.
Childhood is a period when the immune system is more sensitive. It is possible to take precautions against such conditions by regulating daily life and strengthening the child's immune system.
Any practice that positively affects the immune system is supportive. Among these, a regular and healthy eating routine and an active lifestyle can be mentioned. Natural vitamin supplements and ensuring that the child leads a stress-free, happy life are other determining factors.
Child Health During Allergy Season
When allergy symptoms are particularly severe, additional steps beyond treatment can be considered. For instance, using goggles during periods of high pollen can help protect the child's eyes. It is also important to change and wash the child's clothes after coming indoors. On days with increased pollen, limiting outdoor exposure as much as possible is advisable. Furthermore, keeping windows and doors shut and drying laundry inside instead of outdoors can also reduce the risk of allergen contact.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spring Allergy Recur Every Year?
With the precautions taken, spring allergies usually recur around the same time each year. This pattern is due to the seasonal rise in factors like pollen and mold spores.
When Do Allergy Symptoms Begin?
The timing of symptom onset can differ depending on the allergy type. Typically, symptoms arise in February, coinciding with the abundance of tree pollen. In contrast, grass pollen is more likely to provoke allergic reactions around early May.
Is Spring Allergy in Children Different from Spring Cold in Children?
Spring allergy is a condition that develops in allergic individuals as a result of exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and animal dander. Allergens cause the immune system to react abnormally, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, redness, and itching of the eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing.
Spring cold in children, on the other hand, is a condition caused by a viral infection. Viruses cause inflammation in the nose and throat, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, redness, and itching of the eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing.