Help Your Child Nip Those Springtime Allergies in the Bud

Even in Texas, where the sun shines almost year-round, most kids look forward to sloughing off their winter layers and running out into the spring sunshine — but not every kid. 

Around 20% of children have seasonal allergies, which makes outdoor playtime a nightmare. 

Springtime allergies (you may also hear them called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) occur when your child’s body overreacts to irritants and allergens that enter through their nose, mouth, and eyes. 

The reaction triggers frustrating symptoms, including runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and even hives or a rash. 

Any one of those symptoms makes your and your kid’s lives miserable. The good news is that you’re not doomed to drag a snotty-nosed kid through spring. There are many ways to avoid and possibly eliminate allergic reactions, especially when you team up with Dr. Caleigh Rodriguez. 

We help you create a personalized action plan to nip your child’s springtime allergies in the bud. Here are some of our favorite tips you can start using today. 

Know their triggers

If you know what triggers a sneezing attack, you can help your child avoid the aggressor. The best way to learn? Get your child tested for allergies, which helps discover specific trees and plants that pose a threat and steer your child away from them. 

Make your house a sanctuary

Since the outside world can be unkind to your allergy-prone child, we recommend battening down the hatches at home, which may mean:

• Keeping windows and doors shut
• Investing in furnace and air conditioner filters
• Putting outside clothes in the hamper right away
• Showering immediately after playing outside

Even regularly vacuuming and dusting  your house can go a long way in keeping allergens where they belong: outside. 

Keep an eye on the pollen count

Most weather forecasts note the pollen count, so fire up your weather app or tune into your local news station. 

Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so keep your child inside for as long as possible. If they must venture out, consider having them wear a hat, glasses, light long sleeves, or even gloves to ward off allergens. 

Medicate early and consistently

If your child’s allergies are severe, Dr. Rodriguez may recommend they start a course of allergy medication or immunotherapy. Those medications work best when they’ve had time to build up in their system, so we suggest starting their prescriptions at the beginning of the season. 

If you’re looking forward to spring and want your kid to do so as well, let’s discuss a personalized allergy plan. Call our friendly staff at 830-745-4631 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today. We proudly serve families in the New Braunfels, Texas, area.