Seasonal allergies strike at different times of the year. Also known as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, seasonal allergy symptoms occur when airborne irritants, or allergens, enter the eyes, nose, and throat, setting off an allergic reaction. When we are outside, pollen circulates through the air and lands on our bodies. It can be in our hair, skin, eyes, mouth, and nose.
Symptoms of Spring allergies include:
● Sneezing
● Stuffy and/or runny nose
● Scratchy and/or sore throat
● Dry cough
● Itchy and watery eyes, gritty feeling in eyes or feelings of sand in eyes, redness, puffy eyelids, and dark circles under eyes
● Itchy, bumpy skin, redness, and hives
What you can do about seasonal allergies:
Check the forecast for pollen levels, and limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are at their highest.
Remove your shoes at the door at home. Take off your shoes before you come into the house, so you don’t track in pollen.
Have your child wash their hands and face or shower and change clothes after being outside.
Close windows in the house and the car. Opening windows can be refreshing, but they let in pollen. Close windows and outside doors, especially on high-pollen days, and turn on the air conditioning, if available. Use the “recirculate” option in the car instead of the vent, which may let in pollen.
Treatment for Itchy, Watery, Red and Burning Eyes:
Splash eyes with water and apply wet cloth to their eyes.
Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral allergy medications and allergy eye drops for these symptoms.
Treatment for Itchy Skin:
The skin can respond to pollen with symptoms of small, fine bumps, itching, redness, and hives. Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral and topical allergy medications for these symptoms.
Medication for Seasonal Allergies Symptoms:
Sometimes avoiding pollen isn’t enough, and often it is just not possible. Your child may need allergy medicine. Although there are many over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, it is important that you work with your pediatrician to make sure that your child’s allergy is correctly diagnosed, and the symptoms are properly treated.
be kind and be well,
Lisa Kilfoyle, BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse
Community Resourse & Support Liaison
Thacher Elementary & ELC
lkilfoyle@attleboroschools.com
