Sneezing Season [Treating Seasonal Allergies]

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons. It is a time when everything is in full bloom. But Spring is also dubbed the sneezing season. It is the season where pollen counts are high and when blown all over; those who suffer with allergies experience sneezing, runny noses, puffy eyes, itchy eyes and throats.

My husband suffers from allergic rhinitis better known as hay-fever.  But it was about three years ago that we discovered that our youngest daughter, Mika, has a seasonal allergy.  Research shows that genetics plays a role when it comes to allergies.  If one of the parents suffer from allergies, there is a 25 % chance the kids will get it too.

Mika used to get tonsillitis frequently and we even considered having her tonsils and adenoids removed. Only when we consulted with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist we got to the root of the problem. Upon conducting an allergy test; a positive diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (hay-fever) was made. There was no need to remove her tonsils and adenoids as the source of the problem was her nose. Post nasal drip from the infected sinus cavities to the back of the throat caused the tonsillitis.

Things that cause airborne allergies

• High pollen count
• Dust mites
• Mold pollens
• Pet dander (like cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs)
• Farm animals (like cows, horses, chickens, ducks)
• Tree pollens
• Wreaths
• Grass pollens
• Certain flowers (brushing bride, sunflowers, dahlias)
• Smoke including cigarette smoke

My husband goes for an allergy shot every year; however my daughter is still too young to have this injection.  Milder symptoms are experienced during Autumn but during Spring she suffers terribly. Her allergy symptoms include dry skin, blocked nose, puffy and itchy eyes, an itchy pallet, scratchy throat, runny nose, itchy ears and coughing.

We have alternative remedies and methods to ease the allergy suffering and keep it under control as it can cause sleeping difficulties and irritability.

Treatment and remedies to ease the allergy suffering of hay-fever

• Mometasone nasal spray in the morning and evening
• OCT antihistamine allergy medication only when necessary and as per dosage indicated. Giving too much can cause drowsiness, hyperactivity and irritability
• Cucumber slices on puffy eyes
• Humidifier to improve indoor air quality
• We don’t use feather pillows
• Wash bedding regularly
• Anti-allergy mattress protectors
• Luckily we don’t have carpets and we vacuum regularly
• Keep car windows closed when pollen is in the air
• Avoid playing outside when it is windy and pollen counts are high
• Staying indoors when grass are being mowed by someone.

Allergic rhinitis affects 20% of all children. If your notice that your child has a persistent cold, cough or tonsillitis during seasonal changes; it might be that he/she has an allergy.

Good luck to all those who are suffering and may you get through this season, one sneeze at a time!

Here are additional Knowing OTC Tips for Parents.