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A runny nose, watery eyes and wheezing can be an unwelcome part of the spring season for some children due to seasonal allergies. While allergies can indeed be a nuisance, there are some simple things parents can do help alleviate their child’s allergy symptoms.

Seasonal allergies generally don’t pose a threat to a child’s health, but they can be miserable. It’s important for parents to step back and take a look at how they can best help their children deal with allergies.

People can develop allergies at any time in life. Common inhalant allergens include pollen from trees and plants, house dust and animal danders. Wright notes that allergies can be an inherited condition and children may develop inhaled allergies as early as one year of age.

The simplest, most effective way to reduce allergies is to reduce a child’s contact with what he or she is allergic to. Since children spend a majority of time in their bedroom, parents start there first.

Reducing dust, mold and other irritants in the bedroom can be done by removing plants, stuffed animals, shag carpet and other items where allergens may collect. Wright also suggests using foam pillows and covering mattresses with plastic, damp-mopping floors and washing clothes and bedding regularly in hot water.

Thorough cleaning of the entire home can also be helpful. Wright advises parents not to smoke in the home or allow guests to do so. Using air filters and air conditioners in the home can be very helpful to improve indoor air quality.

In addition to controlling the environment, parents can also treat a child’s allergy symptoms with the use of over-the-counter remedies. Antihistamines, available in nasal sprays, eye drops and inhalers, can block allergic responses. Newer antihistamines on the market may also be less likely to cause drowsiness or dry mouth. Cromolyn, a prescription medicine, is another option. Wright notes this product does not have side effects such as drowsiness and needs to be used a few months before allergy season arrives to be effective. Inhaled steroids may also be helpful to control inflammation.

In cases where a child’s allergies are severe, and environmental and other measures do not provide enough relief, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be an option. This type of treatment requires careful testing by a qualified allergist to identify allergens. Patients then receive small, incremental doses of allergens to desensitize their bodies from future reactions. Wright notes allergy shots can be costly and may not be effective in many cases.

Pollen. Dust mites. Mold. Pet dander.

If your child has asthma, these common allergens can be more than a nuisance.

Up to 80 percent of children with asthma are allergic to one or more of these allergens. If your child has both asthma and allergies, encountering even one of them can aggravate your child’s asthma or even trigger an attack.

Allergies occur when your child’s immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance. Pollen, dust mites, molds and pet dander are common triggers of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose and sometimes, coughing or hives.

Asthma occurs when the main airways in your child’s lungs — called the bronchial tubes — become inflamed and swollen. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and extra mucus is produced. Airflow out of your child’s lungs is diminished, often causing wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and coughing.

Asthma is a manageable condition, with primary treatment consisting of oral and inhaled medications. However, in rare cases, asthma attacks can be life-threatening.

Restlessness, colic = milk allergy?
Almost all babies have periods when they are agitated. But sometimes they are excessively fussy because they have an allergy to cow milk proteins, proteins that are the basis of most types of milk powder for babies.

When the milk allergy appears?
This type of allergy can occur at any time of life but is most common on babies. Between 2% and 3% of babies have a milk allergy, which usually passes with time.
If you think your baby has a milk allergy, consult your doctor. There are tests that can diagnose this problem and there are alternatives to the dairy products and milk powder – which your doctor may designate.

Usually, milk allergy disappears by itself until the age of 3-5 years, but some children may never escape from it.

Milk allergy is not the same thing as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance represents body’s inability to digest lactose. It appears rare on babies and is more common on older children and adults.

Between allergy and cold there are some differences. If the baby is cold almost all the time, there is a possibility that he might actually have a nasal allergy, ie allergic rhinitis. The most common allergies in babies are produced by microorganisms from dust, animal hair or molds.

Some children may be allergic to pillow feathers , the wool of the blankets, the horse hair (sometimes used in mattresses).

Even though most experts do not consider tobacco smoke as an allergen, it certainly can aggravate allergy symptoms.

If you have a strong suspicion that the baby would be allergic to something, try to keep the “culprit” isolated for few days. If the culprit is the puppy, send it for a short holiday with friends or the cage. If you suspect that micro-organisms in dust could be responsible, carefully clean the baby’s room.

If baby’s symptoms are reduced after these experiments, perhaps you’ve identified the problem. Otherwise, make a visit to the pediatrician.