YORK, Pa. — Spring is officially here--with the allergies to match it.
Dr. Vinitha Moopen with WellSpan Health has some tips on how to make allergy season more bearable for the kids.
Babies usually start showing symptoms of allergies around 6 months of age. These symptoms tend to start with nasal congestion or a cough and get more intense as the child gets older.
"Their bodies are just developing those reactions," Dr. Moopen said. "They're getting exposed to the allergens, and then their bodies are responding to them, and that takes some time."
The physician says tree pollen is especially strong right now. The wind can carry the tiny particles hundreds of miles, meaning children may be exposed to an allergen they've never encountered.
"We had a warm winter and a warm spring, so that tends to make a little worse because the plants have a little longer to get those pollen out and have it out for a longer period of time, so yes, it's probably going to be a little bit on the rougher side this year," Dr. Moopen said.
Dr. Moopen says parents can help minimize kids' discomfort when it comes to allergies by changing their clothes and bathing them when they come inside. Some children may also require allergy medication, nasal spray or eyedrops.
"I'd talk to your doctor regarding what their symptoms are, and then go from there," the doctor recommended.
Keeping windows closed, opting for air conditioning and using a HEPA filter can also help keep allergy-sensitive kids comfortable inside.
Parents who are unsure of whether their child's symptoms are due to an allergy or a cold can usually look to two signs to help determine the culprit: fevers and the length of the symptoms. Fevers tend to point towards a cold, not allergies, Dr. Moopen said. Allergy symptoms also tend to hang around for a lot longer than other sicknesses might.
Dr. Moopen says concerned parents can always talk to their doctors, nurses and pediatricians about any worries they may have for their child. If your kid needs to be seen by a doctor, click here to make an appointment with WellSpan.