Springtime could mean spring allergies for your child

By Carolina Boyd

That yellow pollen on your car is one of the first signs that spring has sprung in the Houston area. This time of the year also means the start of spring allergy season for your little ones.

The symptoms are hard to miss in your child: runny nose, sneezing, congestion, coughing, itchy nose and throat, and watery eyes.

What makes allergy symptoms so bad in the spring? It is usually the trees that are pollinating this time of year. According to the Houston Health Department, oak pollen is one of the worse springtime offender.

Children, especially those with first-time allergy symptoms, should see their pediatrician for a formal diagnosis. If that diagnosis is seasonal allergies, your child’s doctor can discuss what allergy medication will work best for their symptoms. Your child’s doctor will also be able to determine if your child has asthma or even if he or she is a candidate for allergy testing.

Overall, it is best to avoid allergy triggers. Give your kids sunglasses to prevent itchy, watery eyes. When returning indoors after time spent outside, take a shower to wash off anything that can cause a reaction and to prevent pollen from lingering on your children’s clothes or hair. Regardless of how nice the spring weather may be, shut the windows and close the doors once inside to minimize indoor pollen.

Spring is a wonderful time of the year to spend outdoors. Diagnosing and treating your children’s allergy symptoms can help them better enjoy this season.